Gold hitting over $4,500 an ounce is the kind of financial earthquake that rattles through the markets, and it's got everyone talking. It wasn't just gold though; silver, platinum, and even palladium were thrown into the mix, each reaching new heights. The numbers are staggering, and it's a scene that’s hard to ignore.

Record-Breaking Numbers in Singapore

On Wednesday, gold didn't just tiptoe past the $4,500 mark; it charged over it. Spot gold rose 0.6% to a whopping $4,511.91 an ounce by 10:20 a.m. in Singapore. Earlier, it had even touched $4,525.77. Silver and platinum weren't idling either. Silver leaped 1% to $72.15, while platinum shot up 2.2% to $2,340.52. Even palladium joined the ride, climbing 1.3%.

A Year Like No Other for Precious Metals

This isn't just a random spike. No, it's the climax of a year that’s seen precious metals climb like never before. Gold has skyrocketed over 70% this year. Silver? It’s up a jaw-dropping 150%. Bloomberg's numbers show they're on track for their strongest annual performance since the wild days of 1979.

And what's driving this surge? It's investors turning back to these hard assets. With all the uncertainty in the world, precious metals are once again the safe haven. As the year ends, these metals are shining brighter than ever, reflecting a renewed faith in their enduring value.