2025: The Year Markets Went Wild

Our charts show a year of dramatic shifts. Three major stories defined global markets in 2025. First, a new "tariff turmoil" began. The United States imposed sweeping import taxes on many countries. In response, other nations announced their own tariffs on US goods. This triggered fears of a global trade war, causing stock markets to swing sharply. Second, investors rushed to buy gold. As trade tensions grew, so did uncertainty. Investors sought a safe asset to protect their money. This demand pushed the price of gold to a record high, creating a modern "gold rush." Finally, the US dollar lost significant value. The dollar's strength fell against other major currencies. Experts say the tariffs and large US government spending made the dollar less attractive worldwide. Together, these charts tell the story of a volatile year for money and trade.