The year 2025 has seen some remarkable shifts in the Chicago stock market, with a few unexpected winners and losers. It's a story of gold, aluminum, and AI, and how economic tides can lift some obscure Chicago companies to new heights.
The Rise of the Unsung Heroes
Let's start with the leader, Coeur Mining, a company that has quietly operated gold and silver mines for years. Their shares have skyrocketed by an impressive 227% this year, but here's the kicker: gold and silver prices have been setting records, with gains not seen since 1979. It's a trend that has put this otherwise under-the-radar company in the spotlight.
And then there's Century Aluminum, whose shares have soared by 117% due to tariffs that pushed aluminum prices to nearly $5,000 per ton. Aluminum prices have almost doubled in the past two years, a fact that has significantly impacted this Chicago-based company.
AI and Genomics: The Future is Now
Tempus AI, a genomic-data company founded by Eric Lefkofsky, has seen its stock rise by a whopping 92%. This company has been riding the artificial intelligence wave, with its stock reaching over $100 in October. Lefkofsky has big plans, aiming for long-term revenue growth of 25% annually.
Online Lending: A Growing Trend
Online lenders Enova International and OppFi have also had a strong year. Enova's stock has climbed sharply since November, reaching a record high earlier this month after announcing a $369 million deal to buy Grasshopper Bancorp, allowing them to distribute their products nationwide. OppFi, another online lender, has seen its shares rise by 45%, with a rollercoaster ride of a year that included record revenue and earnings in the third quarter.
Tech's Ups and Downs
But not all tech companies have been so fortunate. Online health insurance broker GoHealth has faced challenges in the Medicare Advantage market, with its stock dropping a staggering 83%. Even a 15-for-1 reverse split couldn't save it from these difficulties.
And Sprout Social, once a darling of the local tech scene, has seen its shares drop by 64% this year. The maker of social media monitoring and management software has been losing altitude since its IPO in 2019.
So, what does this all mean? It's a reminder that the stock market is a complex beast, and economic trends can impact companies in ways that might not be immediately obvious. It's a story of winners and losers, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of Chicago's stock market.
