As we cross the five-month mark in 2025, a new ranking of top-traded commodities highlights some unexpected leaders and laggards in the market. From precious metals to grains and livestock, market performance tells a dynamic story of economic sentiment, supply pressures, and shifting demand.
Top Performers So Far
Leading the pack is gold, which has seen a remarkable 22.4% increase since January 1. Investors appear to be turning to the traditional safe haven amidst broader economic uncertainty.
Another standout is oats, climbing 16.7% year-to-date—an impressive gain, particularly as other grains struggle. The rise suggests niche market shifts and possibly lower supplies influencing trader interest.
In the livestock category, live cattle are up 14.3%, followed by feeder cattle, which have gained 11%. These numbers underscore ongoing demand strength in the beef sector despite inflationary and feed cost concerns.
Grain Markets Under Pressure
Despite oats’ rally, most of the grain complex remains under pressure:
- Soybeans have dipped 1.5%
- Wheat is down 7.3%
- Corn has slid 7.4% since January 2
These declines reflect ongoing global supply competition, large inventories, and concerns around export demand.
Conclusion
As of May 2025, gold, oats, and cattle are outperforming other key agricultural and industrial commodities. With more volatility likely ahead, producers and traders alike will be watching these trends closely as the second half of the year unfolds.