In the world of commodities, 2025 has been dominated by a relentless surge in the gold price.
So far this year, bullion has delivered more than 50 new all-time highs, adding another record this week after smashing through US$4,500 an ounce.
Overall, the gold price has now climbed by about 73% since the start of January.
Not surprisingly, it has comfortably outpaced the broader market with the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) up by 7% during the same period.
In turn, leading ASX 200 gold miners have been major beneficiaries from the price surge.
For example, shares in the world's biggest gold producer Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) have soared by more than 160% since early January.
Fellow gold mining heavyweight Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has also delivered similar gains.
However, despite dominating headlines, gold has not been the top-performing metal in 2025.
In fact, two other precious metals have handsomely outpaced the gold price since the start of January.
Below, we take a closer look at these surging metals and how ASX investors could potentially gain exposure through exchange traded funds (ETFs).
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Platinum
Platinum is a rare metal best known for its use in jewellery.
However, its unique physical and chemical characteristics also play a key role in industrial sectors, including medical, electronic, automobile, defence, and aerospace.
Notably, 2025 marks the third year in a row where the platinum market has been in a supply deficit.
Against this backdrop, the platinum price has surged by about 180% since the start of January to more than US$2,500 an ounce.
However, investors seeking exposure to this rally have limited options on the ASX.
One practical solution could be the Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT) ETF.
This ASX ETF is designed to generate returns that correspond with the platinum price, excluding fees and expenses.
Its shares have rocketed by 150% in 2025, reaching $339.99 apiece at the time of writing.
Silver
Silver is typically known for its use in jewellery, coins, and as bullion stored in vaults.
But this narrative is rapidly changing.
Silver also boasts superior electrical and thermal conductivity, making the metal an important component in solar panels, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics.
Since the start of the year, the silver price has climbed by about 188%, reaching new all-time highs just this week after breaking through US$80 per ounce.
Like with platinum, one avenue for exposure to the soaring silver price is through an ASX ETF, namely 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 the fees.
Shares in this ASX ETF are changing hands at $110.22 apiece at the time of writing, up by 153% just this year.
