From gold to stocks: 2025 brings biggest profits for Pakistani investors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed significant fluctuations across various sectors in 2025, with some investors seeing substantial growth in their wealth despite ongoing economic challenges.

Among all assets, gold and the stock market emerged as the top performers, while traditional safe havens like real estate and the US dollar provided relatively modest returns.

According to a report by brokerage house Topline Securities, 10 grams of gold crossed the PKR 400,000 mark for the first time in the country. At the start of the year, gold was priced at around PKR 233,000 per 10 grams, climbing steadily to PKR 405,000 by December. On the global front, gold surged from USD 2,612 per ounce at the end of 2024 to USD 4,503 per ounce in December 2025.

Stock Market Shows Strong Growth

Investors in the Pakistan Stock Exchange also benefited, with the 100 Index starting the year at roughly 114,000 points and closing near 174,000 points by 29 December, marking an increase of over 60,000 points or 48 percent for the year.

Meanwhile, real estate in Karachi and Lahore showed moderate gains. Commercial plots rose by 18 percent, residential plots by 15 percent, and housing prices in DHA areas increased by about 8 percent, according to data from property portal Zameen.com.

Government Bonds and Other Investments

Investors in Naya Pakistan Certificates earned up to 22 percent, Pakistan Investment Bonds offered 14 percent returns, and Treasury Bills yielded 12 percent. Bank savings accounts provided up to nine percent profit. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Rupee strengthened by 3–4 percent against the U.S. dollar, and Bitcoin saw a decline of about four percent over the year.

A report by Arif Habib Limited highlighted that silver prices rose 140 percent, while Treasury Bills gave an average return of 10.5 percent. Analysts predict that profits from gold, silver, and stocks in 2026 may not match the exceptional gains of 2025.

Experts say that low interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and global trade concerns played a key role in boosting commodity prices. Central banks worldwide also increased gold reserves to diversify portfolios, reduce dependence on the US dollar, and hedge against economic uncertainties.

Web Desk