Advantages ancient civilizations ancient Egypt asset beauty central bank policies central banks Challenges commodities conductivity cultural significance cultures currency currency devaluation currency fluctuations currency strength diversification economic growth economic indicators economic instability economic stability economic turmoil economic uncertainty economies economists economy exploration extraction factors factors influencing gold prices Federal Reserve fiat currencies financial crises financial crisis geopolitical events geopolitical tension geopolitical tensions geopolitical uncertainties global economy global gold market global markets gods gold gold exchange-traded funds gold market gold mining gold prices gold reserves gold standard growth hedge hedge against inflation historical performance historical significance historical trends history inflation inflation rates interest rates intrinsic value Investing investment investment portfolios investment strategy investors investor sentiment jewelry liquidity Malleability market dynamics market volatility mining monetary policies monetary policy origins physical gold policymakers power precious metal price price movements Prosperity purchasing power rarity risks safe-haven asset safe haven seasoned investors societies stability store of value supply and demand symbol Tangible Asset technology trends unique properties value wealth world gold price