Review of 2025: Can Tech Stocks Rebound in 2026?

 

Year 2025 was dominated by Donald Trump's return to the White House and his reciprocal tariffs which resulted in trade war with China.

Within the year, US Fed cut the interest rate from 4.5% to 3.75%, which is generally good for its stock market.

Precious metals price staged a remarkable rally. Gold price rose more than 60% in 2025 to a record high above USD4,500, while silver & platinum prices appreciated even more with their prices more than doubled.

Brent crude oil price dropped about 25% from USD80 to USD60 per barrel, while palm oil price also weakened 20% from RM5,000 to RM4,000 per tonne.

Bitcoin price broke new high in Sep25 to over USD120k but retreated to end the year at around USD88k, down 10% from around USD98k at the beginning of the year.

Malaysia Ringgit appreciated approximately 10% against the USD, from RM4.50 to RM4.05. At the same time, SGD weakened 5% against MYR from RM3.30 to RM3.15.

My Portfolio Dec25

Summary of December 2025

Portfolio @ End of Dec25

 

Year 2025 is a superb year for stock markets in almost the whole world, but not for Malaysia.

After suffering loss in the first 11 months, KLCI managed to end the year in positive territory with a 2.3% gain, thanks to a late push of the index stocks in December. 

However, most small and mid cap stocks suffered badly.

For investors who invest in US stock market, it seems to be a good harvest year. An annual return of 20-30% should be easily within reach.

The S&P 500 advanced 16.4% in 2025, but it still "underperformed" compared to other major markets in the world.

The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF registered a remarkable annual return of 32.3% in 2025. It just shows how bullish year 2025 was.