Gold and stocks are setting records at the same time. Here's why that's unusual and what it means.
Yahoo Finance·2025-10-01 01:01

Core Insights - Investors are flocking to gold despite the stock market reaching new highs, with gold prices up 43% this year and 84% since the start of 2024, while the S&P 500 has increased by 13% in 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold typically performs well during economic downturns, but its recent rise is unusual given the strong performance of the stock market amid an AI boom [2][5]. - The simultaneous rally in both gold and stocks is attributed to inflation concerns and currency debasement rather than a traditional safe-haven trade [4][5]. - Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's target, recorded at 2.9% in August, with high tariffs potentially pushing prices higher [3][6]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment - Concerns about inflation, fiat currency stability, and high levels of debt are driving investor behavior, indicating a possible stagflationary environment [5][7]. - The rise in gold prices, which surged 46% in 2025, is unusual given the typical lack of correlation between gold and stocks [7].