'Sell America' has sparked a FOMO-fueled rush to gold and silver among everyday investors

Market Performance - Gold and silver were among the best-performing investments in 2025, with gold increasing by 73% and silver by 194% since the beginning of the year [5][10] - Retail investors poured a net average of $15 million into gold and $7 million into silver investments daily throughout the year [5] Investor Sentiment - Many investors expressed concerns about volatility in US markets, leading to increased interest in precious metals as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty [2][10] - The "Sell America" narrative contributed to a fear of missing out (FOMO) among investors, driving them towards gold and silver [15][16] Online Activity - Gold and silver saw significant online discussions, with the SPDR Gold Shares ETF being the third most talked-about investment on r/WallStreetBets [6] Retail Demand - Bullion Exchanges reported a doubling of clientele in 2025, with many first-time buyers lining up to purchase metals [11] - The CEO of Bullion Exchanges noted that the firm could have seen a 200% growth if not for limited capacity and metal shortages [12] Market Dynamics - The rally in gold and silver prices was influenced by both traditional investors and newer entrants driven by FOMO [15][16] - Concerns about a potential market correction are present, with estimates suggesting gold could drop by 9% and silver by 31% if the hype subsides [17]