Top & Flop ETF Areas of 2025 (Revised)

Market Overview - The year 2025 began with optimism post-election, but faced challenges from low-cost AI initiatives from China, adverse impacts on U.S. Big Tech, Trump tariffs, sticky inflation, and high interest rates [1] - Market stabilization occurred in May after a turbulent April due to tariffs [1] - Midyear market euphoria solidified with easing trade tensions and three Fed rate cuts starting in September, but momentum faded due to a government shutdown and overvaluation concerns in the AI sector [2] AI Market Dynamics - By mid-December, the AI market was experiencing a mix of optimism and caution, highlighted by Oracle's $10 billion data center project facing funding issues, impacting tech stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom, while Micron's strong earnings boosted its shares [3] ETF Performance - Wall Street showed positive performance in 2025, with SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) up 18.1%, Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) up 22.3%, and SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) up 15% year-to-date as of December 26, 2025 [4] Gainers in ETFs - Silver Miners: iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) up 220.3% and Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) up 202.1% due to high demand and supply tightness [5] - Gold Miners: Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX) up 199.3% and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) up 190.6% driven by a 70% increase in gold prices, Fed rate cuts, and central bank demand [6] - Platinum: GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) up 165.3% and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) up 165.1% as platinum futures surged above $2,400 per ounce amid industrial demand recovery [7] Losers in ETFs - Meme Stocks: Roundhill Meme Stock ETF (MEME) down 42.6% as investors shifted focus to profitable firms amid market volatility [10] - Volatility: ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) down 41.9% reflecting market expectations of near-term volatility, underperforming despite a steady Wall Street [11]