Gold prices have recently fallen from near-record highs as investors booked profits ahead of the year-end and perceived geopolitical risks lessened. Despite this dip, gold has seen a significant rise of approximately 72% this year, driven by factors including anticipated softer U.S. monetary policy, dollar weakness, geopolitical tensions, and strong central bank purchases. Market attention is now focused on the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes for clues on future interest rate movements, which could impact non-yielding assets like gold.