Global Markets Mixed: US Hits Record Highs, Silver Soars to New Peak

• US markets closed at record highs on Wednesday, with S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posting gains.
• Asian markets showed mixed performance on Friday; Japan and South Korea gained, while others were closed for holidays.
• Silver surged to a record high of $73.4393 per ounce, up 150% this year, while gold neared its all-time peak.
• The 'Santa Claus rally' is anticipated, with AI-related stocks expected to drive large-cap growth.
• Geopolitical tensions, including in Venezuela, are boosting the safe-haven appeal of precious metals.

Why It Matters: Global markets show strength with US records and soaring precious metals, despite mixed Asian performance.