Group 1 - Gold prices have reached a record high, surpassing $3,600 per ounce, and have increased by 36% this year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 10% return [1] - Goldman Sachs predicts that gold could rally to $5,000 per ounce, indicating a potential 40% increase from current levels [1][2] - The ongoing conflict between President Trump and the Federal Reserve is expected to drive investors away from US government debt and towards gold [2] Group 2 - Costco has seen a surge in demand for gold bars since it began selling them in 2023, benefiting from the increased interest in precious metals [4] - The primary advantage for Costco is not the profit margins on gold itself, but the boost to its e-commerce business, as high-value items like gold bars can enhance online sales performance [4]
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