"It doesn't beat stocks. "
Yes and no. Some stocks have been worth far more than metals ever could but most stocks have fizzled and many public companies have ceased to exist.
Also, most stocks do not provide dividends such that to realize the value of a stock the stock must be sold, thereby releasing any future value the stock may provide.
Metals have rarely been a great investment for gains but right now they are.
Some stocks pay no dividends. Gold pays no dividends. Did you have a point?