Precious metals are off to a solid start in 2026, with gold and silver both advancing as the new year opens. What's catching traders' attention? Both metals just wrapped up their strongest year since 1979—a massive milestone that speaks volumes about macro conditions and investor sentiment.

This kind of momentum heading into a fresh year typically signals sustained interest in safe-haven assets, especially when historical comparisons reach back nearly five decades. Whether you're tracking traditional markets or thinking about how macro trends ripple across different asset classes, this move in bullion deserves a spot on your radar.