2025 Commodity Market Review: Platinum, Cattle Lead Gains While Grains Struggle
Trade resumed this week following the Labor Day holiday, and with eight months of 2025 now complete, the Bottom Line Report delivers its latest update on how the markets have performed so far this year.
“It’s Bottom Line. Trade resumes after the Labor Day holiday, and now with eight months in the books, we review our list of 48 commodities that we track each day and how they have fared since New Year’s.”
Leading the charge in year-to-date gains is platinum, which has seen a remarkable rally since the start of 2025.
“Number one on the list by far, platinum, up 44% year-to-date.”
The livestock markets have also shown strong performance, with feeder cattle and live cattle securing the second and third spots.
“But with a strong spring and summer, feeder cattle, number two, up 35%. And number three, live cattle, up 32% since New Year’s.”
Soy oil has moved up sharply in recent weeks, benefiting from strong demand and market momentum.
“Soy oil, a strong last 30 to 45 days, is in the number four position, now up 28.5% since New Year’s.”
Lean hogs have managed a place in the top 10 as well:
“And lean hogs, in the top 10, in fact at number 10, up 13%.”
However, it’s a very different story at the bottom of the list, especially for grains and softs. Persistent market pressure and seasonal challenges have taken a toll.
“At the very bottom, of course, grains continue under pressure. Cotton, number 37 on the list of 48, down 8%. Wheat, number 41, down 14%. And corn, number 44 out of 48, it’s down 17% since New Year’s. At the very bottom of the list, orange juice, number 48, down 43%.”
In addition to weak prices, logistical concerns persist.
“Mississippi river levels south of St. Louis are low again, heading into the harvest for the fourth year in a row.”
With harvest season approaching and export logistics under strain, the outlook for struggling commodities may hinge on both weather and water.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.