What were the best investments of 2025? (12 28 25)

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Did your portfolio win 2025? 📈 Now that the dust has settled on 2025, it’s time to see which investments actually crossed the finish line first. Today, we’ll show you how every major asset class performed in 2025.

Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:

• What were the best investments of 2025?

• Q&A: How do you know your financial advisor is looking out for you?

• Smart money move of the week

💵 What Were the Best Investments of 2025?

There are countless places to put your money: U.S. stocks, international stocks, small companies, large companies, bonds, gold, silver, oil, crypto, real estate and more. In any given year, the performance gap between these asset classes can be enormous.

2025 is a perfect example. The best-performing major asset (silver) returned over 130%. The worst performer (Solana) lost about 35%. An investor who put everything in one or the other would have wildly different results.

This is why diversification matters. No one consistently picks the winner each year, and last year’s best performer is often next year’s laggard. Owning a mix of assets smooths out returns over time.

From stocks and bonds to gold and silver to Bitcoin and Solana, find out how every major asset class performed in 2025 by reading the full article.

✅ Poll: What’s Your Take?

Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.

Last Week’s Poll Results

We asked: “Which money-saving move gave you the biggest financial win in 2025?” Here’s how you answered:

• Negotiated a better rate (ex. cell phone plan, insurance) - (24%)

• Maxed out a tax-advantaged retirement account (401k/IRA/Roth) - (23%)

• Switched to a high-yield savings account or CD - (41%)

• Paid off a high-interest debt (ex. credit card or high-rate loan) - (12%)

💬 Ask an Advisor

In this recurring Q&A, we share questions that have been answered by Clark Howard or Wes Moss on the podcast. Submit your question today!

Alex in Oregon asks: How do you know your financial advisor is looking out for you?

Wes Moss says: When you’re looking for a financial advisor, I always say that starting with a fiduciary isn't just a suggestion — it’s table stakes. You see, a fiduciary is legally and structurally set up to avoid financial conflicts of interest. In a commission-based world, it’s not even necessarily the advisor's fault, but the way their company is built means they get paid to generate commissions. That can make it hard for them to put your interests first when they’re just trying to make a living. With a fiduciary, you’re still paying for the service, but our interests are aligned; we’re focused on making sure your plan is as cost-efficient and unconflicted as possible. But beyond the credentials, you really have to trust your gut on the human element. You can usually tell deep down if you’re just being sold a product or if someone truly understands you. If your advisor is a fiduciary and they’re actually listening — if your conversations are about your life goals and a real plan, not just a list of stocks in a portfolio — then you’ve found something special. There’s no guarantee you’ll find the 'world’s greatest' advisor, but if you feel heard and you have a clear roadmap in front of you, you’ve found a guide who can truly help you navigate this entire journey.

💸 Money Tip of the Week

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Any company names shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.

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