Gold has historically underperformed VTI badly. This might just be a small blip. Who knows.

Why? VTI has been hitting ATH since July.

Almost everything is performing well right now, which is why I don't think this is news, particularly.

it depends on your investment horizon - if you don't expect to cash in any time soon you can just sit this one out, and historically it should get better over time (with some opportunities in the meantime).