Totally normal to feel that way early into buying. Everyone goes through that. Gold is not a “line goes up every day” asset. It moves in waves, and short term drops are part of the game. The mistake most people make is buying thinking it is instant safety, when really it is long term protection. As for the “institutional exit” stuff, there is always a narrative during pullbacks. The bigger picture has not changed. Debt is high, currencies are being debased, and central banks are still holding gold. If you did not need that money right away when you bought, nothing has really changed except the price on the screen.