Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly turning to precious metals like gold and silver as a hedge against economic and political uncertainties, with significant price increases observed in 2025 [1][2]. Economic Context - The U.S. government faced a trillion-dollar budget deficit in 2025, contributing to a national debt of $38.6 trillion, which has raised concerns about the potential devaluation of the U.S. dollar [2][11]. - Rising inflation and unemployment rates, along with political instability, have created a challenging environment for stock market investors [1]. Precious Metals Performance - Gold prices surged by 64% in 2025, while silver outperformed with a remarkable 144% increase, driven by similar economic conditions and a looming global supply shortage [2][3]. - The price of gold is influenced by the increase in money supply, particularly since the U.S. abandoned the gold standard in 1971, leading to a 90% decline in the dollar's purchasing power [6]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Silver's abundance and industrial demand, particularly from electronics manufacturers, contribute to its price volatility and potential for significant returns [8][10]. - China's recent export restrictions on silver, effective January 1, 2026, aim to protect its electronics industry and may lead to a global supply shortage, further driving up prices [9][10]. Future Outlook - While the bull case for precious metals remains strong, the situation for silver is more complex due to potential shifts in supply and demand dynamics, particularly if China alters its export policies [12]. - Historical data suggests that while silver has delivered a compound annual return of 5.9% over the last 50 years, expecting another triple-digit percentage gain in 2026 may be unrealistic [14].