Looking at the numbers over the last two decades tells quite a story. Gold has delivered a solid +761% return, which is nothing to scoff at for a traditional safe-haven asset. Yet the S&P 500 hasn't been far behind at +673%. What's interesting here is how close these returns actually are—despite their completely different risk profiles and use cases. This kind of comparison often sparks debate in investment communities about diversification strategies and whether traditional markets still offer compelling value propositions. The 20-year window captures multiple market cycles, bear markets, and recoveries, making it a meaningful lens for evaluating long-term wealth preservation.