Year-End Commodity Review Shows Precious Metals and Cattle Leading the Way
As we approach the end of the calendar year, commodity markets are providing plenty to talk about. We’ve highlighted a rare and historic market signal: crude oil and silver crossing the $60 mark at the same time. That event has only happened twice in recorded history, with the last occurrence back in 2020. Today, the focus shifts to a broader snapshot of market performance as we review a list of 48 tracked commodities heading into the final day of the year.
At the top of the list, precious metals have clearly dominated 2025 performance. Silver leads all commodities, posting a remarkable 103% gain since New Year’s Day. This surge reflects strong investor interest driven by inflation concerns, industrial demand, and safe-haven buying. Close behind silver is platinum, ranking second with an 88% increase on the year, also benefiting from tightening supply and renewed industrial usage.
Gold rounds out the top three commodities, up 54% for the year. While gold’s gains are more modest compared to silver and platinum, the precious metal continues to serve as a key hedge during periods of economic uncertainty and shifting monetary policy expectations.
Beyond metals, the livestock sector delivered some notable surprises. Feeder cattle finished the year as the fifth-best performing commodity on the list, up 30% year over year. Strong demand, tighter cattle supplies, and ongoing herd dynamics helped support higher prices throughout the year. Right behind feeder cattle, live cattle ranked seventh overall, posting a solid 27% gain.
The strength in cattle markets stands out, particularly when compared to other agricultural commodities that faced pressure from weather challenges, global competition, and fluctuating consumer demand. These gains highlight the resilience of the cattle sector and its importance within the broader commodity landscape.
At the opposite end of the spectrum sits orange juice, which finished at the bottom of the list. For the year, orange juice prices were down 66%, reflecting a sharp reversal from previous highs. Market volatility, changing supply conditions, and shifting consumption patterns all contributed to the steep decline.
As the year wraps up, this diverse performance across 48 commodities underscores the importance of watching cross-market signals. From precious metals setting historic gains to cattle outperforming expectations, 2025 delivered a wide range of outcomes that will likely shape market conversations heading into the new year.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.