In a remarkable financial shift, gold prices soared to unprecedented levels, with a record high of $2,400 per ounce reported, marking a 23% increase over the last six months. This surge has outpaced the S&P 500 significantly, with gold prices climbing more than twice as fast as the stock index, part of a 17% rally so far this year. The volatility index (VIX) also saw a notable rise, increasing by 25% in a single day and 50% from its low. Concurrently, the S&P 500 experienced a significant downturn, closing the week at its lowest level since March 15th after a 93-point drop on Friday. This decline in stocks and the S&P's performance contrasts sharply with the robust sales of gold bars, as Costco reported monthly sales reaching as high as $200 million. The trend extends to digital gold, with Pax Gold reaching a price of $3,098, surpassing the $2,700 year-end target set by analysts. Analysts and investors attribute the rush towards gold, traditionally seen as a safe haven, to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, with gold's spot price having risen by 15% since the start of March.