Retail investors began to actively invest in the uranium industry, using the services of specialized companies and exchange-traded funds. This comes amid fears of a military coup in Niger and forecasts of an increase in demand for nuclear fuel in the world. Shares of Yellow Cake Plc, a company engaged in physical uranium trading, rose by 8% in August and by 22% since the beginning of 2023 on the London Stock Exchange. The Geiger Counter fund, which invests in companies related to the extraction and processing of uranium, also gained 8% in August and rose by about 20% from the lows recorded earlier this summer season. Spot uranium prices hit $58.50 per pound this week, setting a new high over the past 16 months, according to data from the Uranium Exchange Company. Investors are paying attention to the growing interest in the uranium industry, as governments around the world continue to invest in nuclear energy and extend the life of aging nuclear reactors in order to ensure energy security and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is also worth noting that the military coup in Niger, where about 5% of the world's uranium reserves are located, raises concerns about possible disruptions in the supply of uranium. The global uranium market is already experiencing a shortage of supply, and the demand for this resource exceeds its supply since 2018.
