2025 has been a spectacular year for gold investors.
Just last week, the precious metal reached all-time highs after smashing through the US$3,700 per ounce barrier for the first time.
And overall, the gold price has now surged by about 44% since the start of January.
It has also outpaced the broader market by a wide distance, with the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) rising by 7.3% over the same period.
So, it comes as little surprise that gold's meteoric rise continues to make the headlines in mainstream financial press.
However, gold isn't the only sheriff in town.
Three other metals with a growing importance in the global economy have outperformed the gold price so far this year.
Let's take a closer look at the significance of these skyrocketing metals and how investors could potentially gain exposure.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest metals in the world, typically known for its use in jewellery.
However, its unique physical and chemical characteristics make the metal applicable in a wide range of industrial settings.
More specifically, it is also used in the medical, electronic, automobile, defence, and aerospace sectors.
Notably, 2025 marks the third year in a row where the platinum market is facing a supply deficit.
And the platinum price has comfortably outpaced the gold price since the start of January, rocketing by about 77% to surpass US$1,500 per ounce.
Now, investors seeking exposure to this scarce metal have limited options on the ASX.
One practical solution could be the Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT) exchange traded fund (ETF).
This ETF provides access to physical platinum without the need to personally store the bullion.
Since the start of the year, shares in this ASX ETF have rocketed by about 60% to $218.25 apiece at Friday's close.
Silver
Silver is another metal outshining the gold price in 2025.
The metal is typically known for its use in jewellery, coins, tableware, or as bullion stored in vaults.
But this narrative is changing with silver fast becoming renowned for its modern-day industrial applications.
In essence, its superior electrical and thermal conductivity make silver a core component in solar panels and consumer electronics.
And since the start of the year, the silver price has rocketed by about 60% to surpass US$46 per ounce.
Now, there are no dedicated silver miners on the ASX 200.
But one avenue for exposure to the metal is through the Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) ETF.
This ASX ETF aims to generate returns that mirror the silver spot price in Australian dollars, minus fees.
Its shares have jumped by 45% in 2025, reaching $63.17 apiece at the close of business on Friday.
Neodymium
Neodymium is a rare earth metal that is also outperforming the gold price in 2025.
In a nutshell, rare earths consist of 17 elements used in a wide range of industries such as clean energy, automotive technology, consumer electronics, and robotics.
And of particular importance are neodymium and praseodymium.
These two elements are key ingredients in permanent magnets that power electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, e-bikes, and consumer electronics.
And shining the brightest is neodymium, with its price rising 58% higher since the new year.
As far as the ASX goes, arguably the standout option for neodymium exposure is Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).
Lynas operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is considered one of the world's premier rare earth deposits.
It also owns one of the world's largest rare earths processing facilities in Malaysia, where it produces separated rare earth materials for export to international markets.
And recently, the company unveiled a new five-year growth strategy.
It involves scaling its rare earths output at Mt Weld, including the production of a higher-grade neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) concentrate.
The group is also looking to increase its downstream processing capacity in Malaysia by growing its NdPr output to 12,000 tonnes per annum.
Such plans could bode well for the company's future should a favourable pricing environment remain for neodymium.
Lynas has already had a stellar run in 2025 with its shares skyrocketing by 159% to $16.90 apiece at the end of last week.
