2025 Investing Results: Diversification Paid Off Handsomely

From a portfolio perspective, 2025 was a year when diversification across regions and asset classes paid off. Broad equity exposure delivered solid gains, while precious metals and select individual stocks produced exceptional returns.

Below is a snapshot of how key exchange-traded funds and notable equities performed over the year.

Key themes behind the numbers

Global diversification worked. International equities outperformed U.S.-only exposure, with Europe, Asia and emerging markets benefiting from easing financial conditions and selective fiscal support.

Technology remained resilient. The Nasdaq-100 continued to attract capital as investors focused on artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and productivity-driven earnings growth.

Precious metals stole the show. Gold and especially silver surged amid declining real yields, geopolitical uncertainty and strong investment demand. Silver’s performance stood out even by historical standards.

Retail trading made a comeback. Shares of Robinhood rallied sharply as higher engagement, improved monetisation and renewed interest from retail investors boosted confidence in the platform’s long-term outlook.

Looking ahead

Once again, investors are recalibrating expectations. After a strong 2025, markets enter the new year with higher valuations and renewed debate around growth, inflation and monetary policy. Whether the momentum continues will depend on earnings delivery, rate expectations and global macro stability.