The percentage growth format clearly reveals distinct eras of asset class dominance. The early-to-mid 20th century shows steady but modest growth across all assets. The 1970s inflationary period dramatically stands out, with gold and especially silver showing explosive percentage gains that far exceeded stock market returns during this decade. From the 1980s onward, the secular stock bull market becomes apparent, with both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 showing superior long-term percentage gains compared to precious metals, though gold and silver exhibit periodic surges during financial stress periods.