Commodities Wrap Up 2025 with Metals and Livestock Leading the Way
As we wipe the slate clean and begin a new year, it’s worth taking a final look back at how major commodities performed during 2025. Reviewing a list of 48 tracked commodities, the past year delivered clear winners, with precious metals dominating the top of the rankings and livestock significantly outperforming the grain markets.
Precious metals claimed the top three spots overall in 2025. Silver finished the year as the strongest-performing commodity, posting an impressive gain of 118%. Platinum followed closely behind in second place, up 116% on the year. Gold rounded out the top three, rising 59% during 2025. Strong investor demand, inflation concerns, and global economic uncertainty helped fuel gains across the metals complex, making it a standout sector for the year.
While metals led the pack, livestock markets also delivered solid performance, especially when compared to grains. Tight supplies, strong domestic demand, and export support contributed to favorable pricing across several livestock categories.
Feeder cattle were among the strongest agricultural performers in 2025, finishing the year ranked number five overall on the commodity list. Feeder cattle prices climbed 34% over the course of the year, reflecting ongoing herd rebuilding challenges and strong demand from feedlots. Close behind, live cattle ranked sixth overall, posting a 28% gain for the year. These gains highlighted continued strength in the beef sector and underscored the impact of limited cattle numbers on market prices.
Lean hogs also recorded a positive year, though with more moderate gains compared to cattle markets. Lean hogs finished 2025 up 17%, placing them at the number 12 position among the 48 commodities tracked. Improved margins, export activity, and seasonal demand contributed to the sector’s overall stability despite ongoing volatility in feed and production costs.
In contrast, grain markets generally lagged behind metals and livestock in 2025. Ample global supplies, favorable growing conditions in key regions, and ongoing trade dynamics weighed on prices, making grains less competitive from a performance standpoint.
As the calendar turns to a new year, market participants are once again starting fresh, but the lessons from 2025 remain important. Precious metals demonstrated their role as a hedge during uncertain times, while livestock markets showcased resilience driven by supply fundamentals and demand strength.
With a clean slate ahead, producers, investors, and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether these trends carry forward or if new leaders emerge in the commodity markets in the year ahead.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.