Dimensional’s Takes on Industry Topics in 2025
Every year, Dimensional produces a range of resources and analysis to help financial professionals and investors make smart, informed decisions. In 2025, we shared insights directly connected to various investment topics around the world, from the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the industry to renewed interest in gold as an asset class.
Here is a look at some of the industry’s hottest topics of 2025 and what Dimensional had to say about them.
AI and Investing
With the rapid growth and adoption of AI technologies, investors have posed questions about whether AI will change how markets function, if it can help pick winning stocks, and how best to cash in on the success of AI companies.
Dimensional reminded readers that AI tools are integrated across various industries and affect a wide range of businesses. While it would be challenging to predict which companies will emerge as winners in the AI space, this broad application provides an opportunity for exposure to AI through a globally diversified portfolio.
The bottom line: Investors can get exposure to AI through a globally diversified portfolio that also helps mitigate risks associated with being overly concentrated in specific stocks or sectors.
Learn more:
Outlook on Tariffs
Market participants were frequently learning new information about tariffs and trying to make sense of what it might mean for businesses, the global economy, and investment portfolios.
Dimensional emphasized the forward-looking nature of markets, meaning that the economic impact of policies such as tariffs is likely already reflected in current stock market prices. The economic implications of these policies may play out over a longer period, however.
The bottom line: Ongoing economic challenges don’t necessarily mean a negative investment experience going forward, because markets have already factored in known information.
Learn more:
- Tariff Trepidation
- Tariffs and Stagflation
- Tariff Target Markets
- Markets Look Forward. So Should Investors.
Going for Gold
As the price of gold climbed in 2025, many investors considered whether it could serve as an asset to hedge inflation or weather an economic downturn.
Dimensional shared how data cautions against thinking of gold as an investment panacea given its volatility.
The bottom line: If you’re considering gold as part of an investment strategy, it is important to evaluate it alongside other assets and understand what the metal can and can’t do in a portfolio.
Learn more:
Staying Disciplined During Volatility
A few big market swings, coupled with concern about how much additional volatility may be on the horizon, resulted in many occasions where investors may have considered making sudden changes to their investment portfolios in 2025.
Throughout the year’s ups and downs, Dimensional encouraged investors to stay in their seats, noting that history shows markets have overcome every previous challenge, eventually bouncing back from downturns. While an investor’s instinct may be to pull out money until things “calm down,” the impact of being out of the market for even a short period of time can be profound.
The bottom line: Know the difference between thoughtful changes to portfolios based on your personal circumstances and hasty decisions driven by scary headlines. The first is smart financial planning; the second is more like gambling.
Learn more:
- Sometimes It Helps to Pay Less Attention
- In Shaky Times, Investors Should Hold Their Nerve
- When Markets Get Choppy: Insights from a Volatile Ride
- The Longer View on Stocks
Disclosures
Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against loss in a declining market.
The information in this material is intended for the recipient’s background information and use only. It is provided in good faith and without any warranty or representation as to accuracy or completeness. Information and opinions presented in this material have been obtained or derived from sources believed by Dimensional to be reliable, and Dimensional has reasonable grounds to believe that all factual information herein is true as at the date of this material. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer of any services or products for sale and is not intended to provide a sufficient basis on which to make an investment decision. Before acting on any information in this document, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your particular circumstances and, if appropriate, seek professional advice. It is the responsibility of any persons wishing to make a purchase to inform themselves of and observe all applicable laws and regulations. Unauthorized reproduction or transmission of this material is strictly prohibited. Dimensional accepts no responsibility for loss arising from the use of the information contained herein.
This material is not directed at any person in any jurisdiction where the availability of this material is prohibited or would subject Dimensional or its products or services to any registration, licensing, or other such legal requirements within the jurisdiction.
“Dimensional” refers to the Dimensional separate but affiliated entities generally, rather than to one particular entity. These entities are Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd., Dimensional Ireland Limited, DFA Australia Limited, Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada ULC, Dimensional Fund Advisors Pte. Ltd., Dimensional Japan Ltd., and Dimensional Hong Kong Limited. Dimensional Hong Kong Limited is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission to conduct Type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activities only and does not provide asset management services.
RISKS
Investments involve risks. The investment return and principal value of an investment may fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee strategies will be successful.
UNITED STATES
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investment products: • Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value
Dimensional Fund Advisors does not have any bank affiliates.
CANADA
These materials have been prepared by Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada ULC. The other Dimensional entities referenced herein are not registered resident investment fund managers or portfolio managers in Canada.
This material is not intended for Quebec residents.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless otherwise noted, any indicated total rates of return reflect the historical annual compounded total returns, including changes in share or unit value and reinvestment of all dividends or other distributions, and do not take into account sales, redemption, distribution, or optional charges or income taxes payable by any security holder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.
AUSTRALIA
This material is issued by DFA Australia Limited (AFS License No. 238093, ABN 46 065 937 671). This material is provided for information only. No account has been taken of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Accordingly, to the extent this material constitutes general financial product advice, investors should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to the investor’s objectives, financial situation and needs. Investors should also consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the target market determination (TMD) that have been made for each financial product either issued or distributed by DFA Australia Limited prior to acquiring or continuing to hold any investment. Go to dimensional.com/funds to access a copy of the PDS or the relevant TMD. Any opinions expressed in this material reflect our judgement at the date of publication and are subject to change.
NEW ZEALAND
This material is issued by DFA Australia Limited (incorporated in Australia, AFS License No. 238093, ABN 46 065 937 671). This material is provided for information only. This material does not give any recommendation or opinion to acquire any financial product or any financial advice product, and is not financial advice to you or any other person. No account has been taken of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Accordingly, investors should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to the investor’s objectives, financial situation and needs. Investors should also consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and for the Dimensional Wholesale Trusts the target market determination (TMD) that have been made for each financial product or financial advice product either issued or distributed by DFA Australia Limited prior to acquiring or continuing to hold any investment. Go to dimensional.com/funds to access a copy of the PDS or the relevant TMD. Any opinions expressed in this material reflect our judgement at the date of publication and are subject to change.
WHERE ISSUED BY DIMENSIONAL IRELAND LIMITED
Issued by Dimensional Ireland Limited (Dimensional Ireland), with registered office 25 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, D01 H104, Ireland. Dimensional Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Registration No. C185067).
WHERE ISSUED BY DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS LTD.
Issued by Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. (Dimensional UK), 20 Triton Street, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3BF. Dimensional UK is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - Firm Reference No. 150100.
Dimensional UK and Dimensional Ireland do not give financial advice. You are responsible for deciding whether an investment is suitable for your personal circumstances, and we recommend that a financial adviser helps you with that decision.
Dimensional UK and Dimensional Ireland issue information and materials in English and may also issue information and materials in certain other languages. The recipient’s continued acceptance of information and materials from Dimensional UK and Dimensional Ireland will constitute the recipient’s consent to be provided with such information and materials, where relevant, in more than one language.
NOTICE TO INVESTORS IN SWITZERLAND: This is advertising material.
JAPAN
For Institutional Investors and Registered Financial Instruments Intermediary Service Providers.
This material is deemed to be issued by Dimensional Japan Ltd., which is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan and is registered as a Financial Instruments Firm conducting Investment Management Business and Investment Advisory and Agency Business.
Dimensional Japan Ltd.
Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No. 2683
Membership: Japan Investment Advisers Association
SINGAPORE
This material is deemed to be issued by Dimensional Fund Advisors Pte. Ltd. (UEN:201210847M), which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and holds a capital markets services license for fund management.
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore or the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board.
FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS IN HONG KONG
This material is deemed to be issued by Dimensional Hong Kong Limited (CE No. BJE760) (“Dimensional Hong Kong”), which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission to conduct Type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activities only and does not provide asset management services.
This material should only be provided to “professional investors” (as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance [Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong] and its subsidiary legislation) and is not for use with the public. This material is not intended to constitute and does not constitute marketing of the services of Dimensional Hong Kong or its affiliates to the public of Hong Kong. When provided to prospective investors, this material forms part of, and must be provided together with, applicable fund offering materials. This material must not be provided to prospective investors on a standalone basis. Before acting on any information in this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if appropriate, seek professional advice.
Neither Dimensional Hong Kong nor its affiliates shall be responsible or held responsible for any content prepared by financial advisors. Financial advisors in Hong Kong shall not actively market the services of Dimensional Hong Kong or its affiliates to the Hong Kong public.