UPDATE: 2025 has been a turbulent year for global markets, with dramatic fluctuations across stocks, crypto, and commodities. The S&P 500 nearly plunged into bear market territory before rallying to record highs, showcasing extreme volatility that investors are still grappling with.
The year has been defined by 10 shocking moments that not only rattled investor confidence but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the financial landscape. Here’s a look at the wildest events that shaped 2025, in chronological order.
Trump Launches Controversial Crypto Tokens
In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump launched their own crypto tokens just before the inauguration. The $Trump and $Melania tokens peaked at around $45 and $8.48, respectively, but have since plummeted over 90% in value, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
DeepSeek Triggers $1 Trillion Sell-Off
January saw the debut of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot that sparked panic in the tech sector. In a single day, it wiped out $1 trillion in market value, heightening fears over the US’s position in the AI race and leading investors to question massive expenditures by tech giants.
Crypto Market Collapses Post-Election
Following Trump’s re-election, the crypto market faced a devastating crash. Bitcoin, which soared to nearly $106,000 in January, tumbled 28% to $75,000 by early April. Ethereum dropped around 60% during the same period, leaving investors reeling.
Stocks Plummet After Tariffs Announcement
On April 2, Trump announced sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, triggering immediate panic. The S&P 500 fell 12% in the days that followed, dipping 19% from its mid-February peak as investors feared economic repercussions from the tariffs on over 50 nations.
Trump’s Hostile Remarks Toward the Federal Reserve
Throughout the year, Trump intensified his attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling for interest rate cuts and suggesting Powell’s dismissal. These comments led to sharp sell-offs in US stocks and increased uncertainty about future monetary policy.
Tesla’s Rollercoaster Year
Tesla shares fell more than 50% by April due to declining sales and tariff concerns. However, a resurgence occurred after CEO Elon Musk signaled his commitment to the company, leading to a recovery of over 100% from its lows.
US and China Reach Trade Agreements
Trade relations between the US and China saw significant developments in 2025. From May through October, a series of agreements led to stock rallies, with the S&P 500 breaking through 6,800 for the first time. This was a crucial factor in restoring investor confidence.
Musk and Trump’s Public Fallout
Tension escalated in June when Musk criticized Trump’s tax policies, causing Tesla shares to drop 17% in just two days. The spat led to speculation about government contracts, but the situation stabilized after Musk acknowledged his comments may have been excessive.
Nvidia Hits Historic Valuations
In a landmark achievement, Nvidia became the first company to reach both $4 trillion and $5 trillion valuations in 2025, driven by unprecedented demand for AI technology. Its shares are up 35% year-to-date, showcasing the fervor surrounding tech stocks.
Metals Surge to Record Highs
As investors sought safe havens, precious metals like gold and silver saw historic price increases. Gold surged 66%, while silver skyrocketed 153%, marking their best performance since 1979. Copper also rose 41%, driven by strong demand amid supply constraints.
As 2025 draws to a close, these market upheavals underscore the volatility and unpredictability that investors face. With continuing developments in geopolitics and technology, all eyes are on how these factors will influence markets as we move into the new year.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops.
