Stocks are currently in one of the longest bull markets in history. With interest rates rising and trade wars rumbling, a growing chorus of analysts are now openly pondering when the next economic slowdown will occur. While recessions are a natural feature of the markets, even the talk of a sliding stock market seems to increase the popularity of gold as an alternative investment.That has helped lift the fortunes of various gold miners and streaming companies in the last year, while years of efforts aimed at boosting operational efficiency and financial flexibility are beginning to pay off, too.