Group 1: Gold Market Insights - Gold prices are near record highs, with the COMEX gold December delivery contract trading at $3,790.50 per troy ounce, reflecting a 0.6% increase on the day and a rise of over 40% year-to-date in 2025 [3][5] - The recent surge in gold prices was influenced by comments from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, who indicated a cautious approach to interest rate cuts, which temporarily affected market enthusiasm [4][5] - Central banks are maintaining a strong appetite for gold, with purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes per year for three consecutive years, reminiscent of the 2008-09 financial crisis [6][7] Group 2: Silver Market Insights - Silver prices reached a 14-year high of $43.81 per troy ounce, marking a nearly 50% appreciation year-to-date, driven by similar market dynamics as gold [9] - The COMEX silver contract for December delivery was up 1.99% to $45.07, indicating continued upward momentum in the silver market [10] - Retail investors are increasingly turning to both physical gold and gold exchange-traded funds as safe-haven investments amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties [8]