Gold vs Stocks: A Decade-Long Showdown

Here’s a reality check for the gold bugs out there: $1,000 invested in gold 10 years ago would’ve turned into roughly $2,360 today—that’s a solid 136% gain.

But plot twist? The S&P 500 crushed it with a 174% return over the same period. Stocks: 1, Gold: 0 (in terms of raw gains).

Why the gap? Simple: stocks generate revenue and growth. Gold just… sits there looking shiny. It doesn’t pay dividends or produce anything.

So why do investors still hoard it? Because gold is the ultimate “when everything burns” hedge. In 2020 (pandemic chaos), gold spiked 24%. In 2023 (inflation crisis), it jumped 13%. It doesn’t move with stocks—that’s the whole appeal.

Bottom line: Gold isn’t trying to beat the market. It’s insurance. Stocks build wealth; gold protects it when the world goes sideways. Most pros suggest a mix of both—growth from equities, stability from precious metals.

Forecast for 2025? Gold expected to climb ~10%, potentially hitting $3K per ounce.