Gold Affordability - Gold is becoming increasingly unaffordable, requiring 116 hours of work in the US to purchase 1 ounce, a record high in at least 100 years [1] - The time required to buy 1 ounce of gold has doubled in just 18 months, indicating gold price increases are significantly outpacing income growth [1] - The current ratio of work hours to gold price surpasses previous peaks of approximately 80 hours observed in the 1930s, 1980, and 2011 [1] - At the start of the century, it took less than 20 hours of work to buy 1 ounce of gold [2] Gold Price and Earnings - Gold prices reached a record close of approximately $4,225 [1] - Average hourly earnings in the US reached $3650 in August [1]

Market Trends - Americans are capitalizing on record-high gold prices [1] - Jewelry shops and gold refineries are experiencing increased activity [1] - One store's gold purchases have doubled compared to last year [1]

Group 1 - The articles do not provide any relevant information regarding companies or industries [1][2][3][4]