Investors get exposure to the large-cap software names such as Oracle ( ORCL ) and Microsoft ( MSFT ) as well as lesser-known companies that specialize in cloud computing. A weak dollar, inflation, and the fact that precious metals are becoming a permanent asset class are three major reasons I think both gold and silver can continue to hit new highs in the New Year. As countries such as China, Brazil, and India continue to accumulate wealth, it will be passed along to growing middle classes that will have significant disposable income for the first time.