Some comparable market performance values expressed as annualized returns to Sept 23, 2011 are:

Year to date: Silver +0.09%; Gold +23.4%; and S&P 500 -13.0%.
One year: Silver +46.3%; Gold +28.2%; and S&P 500 +1.05%.
Three year: Silver +32.7%; Gold +22.9%; and S&P 500 -1.64%.
Five year: Silver +22.4%; Gold +22.9%; and S&P 500 -2.87%.

Which would you prefer to be invested in? (even including the last two days carnage.)