Investing.com -- JPMorgan initiated coverage of the North American gold sector with an Overweight rating on Barrick Mining and a Neutral rating on Agnico Eagle Mines, citing a bullish outlook for gold but diverging valuation and growth profiles between the two miners. Gold prices have risen sharply over the past year, while gold mining stocks have more than doubled, with Barrick outperforming Agnico over that period. Agnico and Barrick are now closely matched as the world’s second- and third-largest gold miners, but JPM says they offer contrasting investment cases. Though much of Agnico’s next phase of growth lies in the 2030s and that its current valuation looks full. Related articlesJPM starts Barrick Mining at Overweight, flags valuation gap versus Agnico EagleMicrosoft shares plummet on softer Azure momentum and higher capexJefferies: Elon Musk delivered ’most interesting earnings call in many quarters’