For investors, there’s no place like home. Data shows that investors are heavily sector-biased based on where they live.

The deal increases Chinese miners presence in Congo, which is Africa’s top copper producer and the world’s largest producer of cobalt.

What OPEC countries fear most is a follow-up technological revolution that will lead to a second oil boom in the U.S., and that fear is now being realized.

"I think in general the investor who are interested in a development stage company tend to be the same group of investors. But if they are looking for that allocation in PGMs, they don't have many options to look at outside of South Africa or Russia. It means there are small group of companies who are our peers."

The agreement ends decades of economic sanctions against Iran, and includes reductions in centrifuges, international inspections.

The notion that safe deposit boxes – facilities that are used by many precious metals investors and others seeking to safeguard their wealth and valuables – need to come under capital controls to protect against bank runs is a dubious one.

Futures data show hedge funds cutting net bullish positions to below 1 million ounces for the first time in 9 years while going short a record 306 tonnes of gold.

Production hasn't been affected so far, but some companies such as Cameco and Areva Resources had to suspend shipments.

The potential agreement could resolve a 12-year dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.