The Investment Scorecard for 2025: Top Performers and Biggest Decliners

Group 1 - Gold prices reached inflation-adjusted levels not seen since the Carter administration, indicating a strong demand for safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainties [1][2] - Silver surged by 146%, leading all major asset classes, driven by demand from solar panels, data centers, and electric vehicles [1][3] - The VIX, a measure of market volatility, decreased by 16%, suggesting that Wall Street remained relatively unfazed by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges [2] Group 2 - The performance of hard assets, such as gold, silver, and copper, was favored over digital assets due to factors like AI developments, tariff issues, and a weaker dollar [3] - Energy prices initially held steady despite geopolitical conflicts but later declined due to concerns over oversupply [2] - The demand for copper and silver is expected to continue, supported by their essential roles in technology and renewable energy sectors [3]