Gold prices are up nearly 14% this year and are approaching record highs. Despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts and expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut, financial advisors still recommend adding gold to portfolios. According to the latest Gold Perceptions Survey by State Street Global Advisors and the World Gold Council, almost 30% of surveyed advisors plan to increase their gold allocation in the next 12 to 18 months, while nearly two-thirds will maintain their current levels. Less than 10% intend to reduce their gold exposure. Most advisors allocate between 1% and 4.9% of their assets to gold, primarily through physically backed gold ETFs. Gold is valued as a safe haven during turmoil and benefits from a weakening U.S. dollar when the Fed cuts rates.