Safe-haven assets and industrial metals soar as military risks and infrastructure demand collide.

(C) Global Energy News

The global commodities market is witnessing an unprecedented rally, with gold, silver, and copper all shattering previous price records. As of late December 2025, a combination of escalating geopolitical conflicts and the rapid expansion of AI-driven infrastructure has sent commodity prices into uncharted territory.

On December 23 (local time), gold futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) closed above $4,500 per ounce for the first time in history. The precious metal has seen a staggering 70% increase this year. Analysts attribute this surge primarily to rising military tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean. As the U.S. intensifies its maritime interventions, investors are flocking to gold as the ultimate safe-haven asset.

Silver followed suit, with spot prices breaching $71 per ounce, marking a nearly 150% year-to-date climb. Beyond its status as a store of value, silver's dual role as a critical component in solar panels and high-end electronics has amplified its price volatility. This year’s performance for precious metals is expected to be the most significant since the 1979 oil crisis.

Simultaneously, copper prices reached a new peak of $12,160 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The red metal, essential for power grids and AI data centers, has jumped 37% this year, the largest gain since 2009. Supply disruptions caused by a massive landslide at Indonesia’s Grasberg mine, coupled with robust demand from the AI industry, have created a perfect storm for prices. With looming concerns over U.S. tariffs and the relentless need for energy infrastructure, market experts warn that the era of high commodity prices may be far from over.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]