Between Exceptional Circumstances and Christmas Peace – The Best Topics for Your Festive Meal
What a year! 2025 was a wild ride—an economic and geopolitical marathon where headlines overtook one another and certainties seemed to crumble on a weekly basis. All the more unfamiliar is it now to sit in familiar company, enjoy the well-deserved peace, and perhaps even feel a bit of tranquility. But don’t worry: after this eventful year, we certainly won’t lack topics of conversation. If things get too quiet at the holiday table, here are a few subjects guaranteed to spark discussion.
“The true value of something only becomes apparent when it is scarce.”
For decades, many metals were considered reliably available – supported by inexpensive supplies from China and the outsourcing of inconvenient production stages. However, when China introduced export controls, and conveyor belts subsequently came to a halt, a noticeable nervousness began to spread throughout parts of the industry. Suddenly, what hardly anyone had factored in before became visible: the strategic utility, the technological indispensability – and, very concretely, the real monetary value of these metals. The price had long been too low. Their value only became apparent when the metals were no longer readily available. Those who invested early could look forward to an extra gift or two in 2025 – in addition to those traditionally found under the Christmas tree.
“Which metals should one have put under the Christmas tree at the beginning of the year?”
2025 was the year of critical commodities. Export controls led to panic in the industry, price surges, and—for those who invested in time—impressive value increases. The star of the year? Dysprosium oxide, with a price increase of 382.26%. Anyone who invested €1,000 in January could look forward to over €3,800 in December. Terbium oxide (+223.11%), gadolinium oxide (+179%), and rhenium (+128%) also shone. Even classics like neodymium oxide (+87%) and gallium (+77%) saw significant gains. And the NEX (Noble Elements Index), with its five technology metals and one rare earth, rose from 250% to 410%, a plus of 160%, demonstrating that a mixed “technology gift basket” would have been more than worthwhile in 2025. Perhaps an idea for next year?
“How can we already support our home robot at Christmas dinner in 2028?”
Oven open, roast in, oven closed – electric motors. Turn the roast – actuators. Check core temperature – sensors. It is already clear: nothing in technology works without rare earths, and this also applies to the robots that might help us with Christmas dinner in 2028. Robotics is growing at 24% per year, drones at 19%, electric vehicles at 11%. And while Elon Musk dreams of a future with more robots than humans, one question remains: Who will eat the roast? Hopefully, still us.
“Why is gold suddenly political again?”
Gold was never apolitical – it was just treated that way for a while. In a world full of uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and monetary policy experiments, gold is once again what it always was: a safe haven. But today, not only possession matters, but also origin. Transparency is becoming the new gold standard, and companies are relying on traceable supply chains. Perhaps a gold coin under the Christmas tree is not just a beautiful gift, but also a timeless value that offers security in uncertain times – just like the technology metals that shape our future.
“What do we pass on – and what do we preserve?”
Christmas is the moment when our perspective softens. Away from daily business, towards what truly matters: our security, our prosperity, and the values that sustain us. In the warm glow of Christmas candles, these thoughts emerge naturally – surrounded by loved ones, perhaps family. Some decisions are not made for the next quarter, but with an eye on the next generation. Especially with scarce resources, responsibility means taking precautions, reducing dependencies, and remaining capable of action – today, so that decisions are possible tomorrow.
With these topics in mind, the festive meal should be a complete success, not only culinarily but also in terms of content. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!