Precious metals continue to outperform as easing inflation, central bank buying, and geopolitical tensions fuel demand for safe-haven assets. Gold is trading near record highs after surging more than 60% this year, marking its strongest annual performance since 1979, while silver and platinum have reached multi-year and historic peaks. As investors reassess equities, currencies, and government debt amid economic uncertainty and shifting monetary policy expectations, physical precious metals are increasingly viewed as a critical tool for long-term wealth preservation and portfolio diversification.