Hot Money Monday: Here are 10 market themes to get you pumped up in 2025

Sprott predicts deglobalisation will reshape global trade in 2025
Energy security driven by nationalism
Demand for critical metals to drive the future economy

Welcome to Hot Money Monday (on a Tuesday), and it’s a doozy well worth the wait, bringing you tips from one of the world’s top asset managers.

As we look towards the rest of 2025, Sprott’s latest report from analysts Paul Wong and Jacob White breaks down the big themes that will shape the year ahead.

From the impact of deglobalisation to the rise of critical metals, here’s a quick rundown of the 10 key trends you’ll want to keep an eye on:

#1. Deglobalisation – are we shrinking?

Globalisation is slowing.

Trade wars, tariffs, and crises like Covid and Russia-Ukraine are showing how risky it is to rely on global supply chains. Now, countries are focusing on local production.

“Deglobalization is likely to intensify in 2025,” Sprott said.

That means nations will become more isolated, reshaping how goods are made and traded.

The global market will therefore shrink, but regional markets might thrive. Investors will need to track of where the new opportunities pop up.

#2. Energy security meets populism

Nations are getting more protective about their energy needs, looking to reduce reliance on foreign sources, especially from unstable regions.

Expect a stronger push for energy independence, said Sprott, but renewables might get a boost if framed as a “national security” move.

“Populist and nationalist ideologies are expected to increasingly shape national security policies in 2025,” Sprott said.

Balancing energy security with clean energy goals will be tricky, and investors will have to navigate these tensions carefully.

#3. Critical materials

Metals like copper, uranium, and silver are at the heart of the tech and energy boom. As everything goes electric, these materials are essential.

“Copper remains one of the most compelling commodities in 2025 due to its role in AI, energy transition and urbanisation,” Sprott’s Wong and White said.

With China’s slowdown, demand for these metals is shifting to high-tech industries.

The future is all about these metals powering the next industrial revolution.

#4. Energy transition

The energy transition isn’t slowing down, even if some green policies get rolled back.

Political changes might trim EV tax credits or renewable subsidies, but the push for clean energy is still strong.

“A full repeal of clean energy policies faces significant hurdles,” Sprott noted. Even if policies change, the global momentum for clean energy will continue.

Big investments in renewables will keep flowing, making it clear that the energy transition isn’t going anywhere.

#5. More market volatility ahead

2025 is going to be a wild ride.

The market’s going to bounce all over the place, said Sprott, with AI tech causing optimism, but rising inflation, bond yields, and geopolitical tensions creating major risks.

“Volatility will be a key characteristic of the year ahead,” Wong and White said.

The US dollar might strengthen, which could hurt emerging markets.

Investors will have to navigate through sharp market turns, deciding when to hold on and when to take advantage of the chaos.

#6. Fourth Industrial Revolution is here

Tech growth and emerging economies are pushing global energy needs through the roof.

Even if the US slows down its energy transition, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is still charging ahead,“ Sprott noted, adding that “AI is expected to become an ever more important driver of energy demand.”

This means a huge demand for power, especially for things like data centres and machine learning.

Nuclear is becoming the go-to solution. And with developing nations rapidly expanding, energy, construction, and materials demand will skyrocket in 2025.

Now read: Data centres have the power to bring in significant investment gains, say E&P analysts

#7. Uranium fundamentals getting stronger

Uranium is looking strong for 2025. Despite a dip in 2024, the long-term outlook is solid.

The need for nuclear power is growing, and supply can’t keep up.

“Uranium’s underlying fundamentals continue to grow stronger, driven by accelerating demand, supply constraints and favourable nuclear energy policies,” Sprott said.

Geopolitical instability and supply disruptions are only making things tighter. If you’re looking long-term, uranium is definitely one to watch.

#8. Copper’s demand-supply imbalance widens

Copper’s demand is rising due to AI, tech, and green energy, but supply is lagging.

As China’s property market slows down, copper’s new demand is coming from infrastructure, EVs and renewables.

“Copper’s role keeps evolving due to shifts in traditional demand patterns,” Sprott said.

With supply struggling to keep up, copper prices will likely rise in 2025. If you’re in the copper game, you need new investments in mines to meet the demand.

#9. Central banks want more gold

Gold had a massive 2024 and it’s going to keep shining in 2025, Sprott believes.

Central banks are buying it up like crazy to hedge against inflation and instability.

“Central bank quarterly gold purchases have averaged 287 tonnes, a 2.3-fold increase compared to the previous decade’s quarterly average,” Sprott said.

With gold becoming more strategic for reserves, expect demand to keep pushing prices higher as central banks continue to stockpile it.

#10. Silver is positioned for more gains

Silver had a great 2024, and its prospects for 2025 are solid.

Its price is tied to gold, but silver also has strong industrial demand, especially in solar energy.

“Silver’s price outlook will be shaped by its sustained correlation to gold and its supply and demand dynamics,” Sprott noted.

As solar energy adoption rises and silver’s industrial uses increases, expect silver to keep benefitting from these trends in 2025.

The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the analysts and do not represent the views of Stockhead. Stockhead does not provide, endorse or otherwise assume responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.