Reviewed by Gotrade Internal Analyst
Jakarta, Gotrade News - ETFs tracking gold and silver miners are officially the market MVPs of 2025. This dominance was fueled by global uncertainty, forcing investors to aggressively hunt for safe-haven assets.
Key Takeaways
- Silver mining ETFs posted the highest gains, hitting up to 200% this year.
- Spot gold prices touched $4,500 per ounce due to prolonged geopolitical conflicts.
- This trend is predicted to roll into 2026 as global peace remains elusive.
Data from Morningstar Direct shows the top five funds this year were dominated by the precious metals sector. iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) led the pack with a 200% gain as of December 21.
Next up was the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ), which grew by 186%. This performance confirms that when the mining sector rallies, the gains can be massive compared to other assets.
Dan Sotiroff, a senior analyst at Morningstar, calls these mining issuers a "levered play" on gold prices. You’re not just investing in the metal, but in the extraction businesses that are super sensitive to price changes.
The price of the physical commodity itself is hitting historic peaks this year. Gold is trading near $4,500 and silver reached $70 per ounce by late December.
Geopolitics is Key
These price hikes aren't without strong—and worrying—fundamental reasons. The war in Ukraine entering its fourth year and the US-Venezuela conflict are the main triggers for market fear.
This pressure is compounded by persistent inflation and new tariff policies. Central banks worldwide are responding by hoarding gold at record-breaking levels.
Commodity strategist from Invesco Ltd., Kathy Kriskey, highlighted that peace could actually be a negative sentiment for commodities. However, she notes that peace doesn't seem to be on the horizon anytime soon.
The fundamental reasons for investors holding gold are expected to remain relevant in 2026. As long as global tension persists, the bullish trend for this sector likely isn't over yet.
Reference:
- The Daily Upside, Best-Performing ETFs of 2025 Were Digging for Silver and Gold. Accessed on December 30, 2025
- Featured Image: Shutterstock
Disclaimer
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