2025’s Stock Market Boom: Record Gains, AI Hype, and Historic Commodity Surges
Global financial markets saw dramatic shifts in 2025, with record-breaking gains in stocks, commodities, and precious metals. Several countries delivered standout stock market performances, while copper, gold, and silver prices surged to multi-decade highs. The year also brought volatility, policy changes, and a weakening US dollar.
The stock market around the world posted strong returns in 2025. South Korea led with gains exceeding 75%, followed by South Africa (over 55%), Greece (50-54%), Spain (48-54%), and Poland (44-53%). In the US, the S&P 500 climbed 17%, marking its sixth instance of three straight years of double-digit growth since the 1940s. The index entered 2025 after its best back-to-back yearly performance since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 13.7%, repeatedly breaking records above 45,000, 46,000, 47,000, and 48,000 points.
The rally was driven by strong corporate earnings, enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, and Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. However, markets faced turbulence in spring due to Trump’s 'Liberation Day' tariffs before recovering later in the year. Commodities also saw historic gains. Copper futures in New York jumped 43%, their best annual performance since 2009. Gold futures surged 66%, reaching over $4,500 per troy ounce—the largest yearly rise since 1979. Silver prices soared even higher, gaining 164% and briefly exceeding $80 per troy ounce. On currency markets, the US dollar weakened by 9.5% against major rivals, heading for its worst year since 2017.
The financial landscape of 2025 was defined by record highs in equities and commodities, alongside significant currency shifts. Investors navigated volatility from trade policies but benefited from strong earnings, AI-driven growth, and lower borrowing costs. The year’s performance sets a notable benchmark for future market trends.
