Winning portfolios: The 5 companies dominating the stock market in 2025

2025 has brought drastic changes to the global financial markets. After record-breaking returns in 2024, the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government —10% on general imports, 50% on the European Union, 55% accumulated on China, and 24% on Japan— has generated unprecedented volatility. Global stock indices fluctuate between significant corrections and partial rebounds, while gold reaches all-time highs surpassing $3,300 per ounce.

In this scenario of trade tensions and gradual recovery, what are the best companies to invest in the stock market that combine stability with growth potential?

The 5 Best Companies to Invest in During 2025

1. Novo Nordisk (NVO): Leading pharmaceutical with solid prospects

The Danish company specializes in treatments for diabetes and obesity. In 2024, its sales grew 26%, reaching $42.1 billion. Although it suffered a 27% correction in March 2025 due to competitive concerns related to Eli Lilly and its Zepbound medication, the company has strengthened its position through strategic moves.

In December 2024, it completed the acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion to expand manufacturing capacity. Subsequently, in March 2025, it licensed LX9851 from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for $1 billion, adding a new mechanism against obesity. Despite competitive challenges, it maintains operating margins of 43%, and its pipeline includes dual molecules that achieved up to 24% weight loss in early studies.

Global demand for therapies against diabetes and obesity continues to rise, positioning Novo Nordisk for positive long-term returns.

2. LVMH (MC): Luxury with recovery opportunities

This French group dominates the luxury goods market with brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Fendi. In 2024, it reported revenues of €84.7 billion with an operating margin of 23.1%.

Shares fell in January (-6.7%) and April (-7.7%) of 2025, partly due to 20% U.S. tariffs on EU products. However, this correction presents an attractive opportunity. LVMH enhances competitiveness through AI — launching the Dreamscape platform to personalize pricing — expanding its digital presence. Growth focuses include Japan (double-digit sales), Middle East (+6% regional), and India, with new Louis Vuitton and Dior stores in Mumbai.

3. ASML (ASML): Indispensable semiconductor technology

The Dutch company manufactures extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) equipment, essential for producing advanced chips. In 2024, it achieved €28.3 billion in sales and €7.6 billion in net income with a gross margin of 51.3%.

In the first quarter of 2025, it recorded €7.7 billion in sales and a record gross margin of 54%. It projects revenues between €30 billion and €35 billion for all of 2025. Although its shares fell about 30% over the past year due to reduced spending by Intel and Samsung, as well as Dutch export restrictions, ASML remains solid. Growing demand for AI chips supports the need for its EUV systems, representing an interesting opportunity after the recent correction.

4. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Tech giant in transformation

Microsoft reported revenues of $245.1 billion in 2024 (+16% annually), operating income of $109.4 billion (+24%), and net income of $88.1 billion (+22%). Its Copilot ecosystem and partnership with OpenAI position it as a leading provider of generative AI for businesses.

In early 2025, shares corrected 20% from highs, dropping to $367.24 intraday on March 31 due to valuation concerns and Azure’s relative slowdown. FTC investigations into monopolistic practices also weighed on the stock.

However, in April 2025, it posted strong results: revenues of $70.1 billion and a 46% operating margin, with Azure growing 33%. The company is aggressively investing in AI and cloud, announcing over 15,000 layoffs to redirect resources toward strategic technologies. Its robust financial position favors long-term prospects.

5. Alibaba Group (BABA): Recovery after years of regulation

Alibaba, founded in 1999, dominates Chinese e-commerce through Taobao and Tmall, while AliExpress facilitates international trade. It announced a three-year plan of $52 billion to strengthen AI and cloud infrastructure.

In the quarter ending December 31, 2024, it reported revenues of 280.2 billion yuan (+8% annually). In the quarter ending March 31, 2025, revenues were 236.45 billion yuan with adjusted net profit growing 22%, driven by an 18% increase in the Cloud Intelligence division.

Shares fell 35% from 2024 highs due to concerns over AI investments, Chinese economic slowdown, and trade tensions. It experienced volatility: up 40% until mid-February and down 7% after March results. Still, it continues investing in strategic areas, which could monetize positions acquired at current prices.

How to Build a Winning Strategy for Investing in 2025

In the context of rising tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, investors should apply clear criteria to reduce risks and maximize opportunities:

Comprehensive diversification. Spread capital across sectors — technology, finance, pharmaceuticals, luxury, energy — and geographies — US, Europe, Asia — to mitigate regional exposure. Prioritize companies with strong international presence or resilient business models against protectionism.

Identify innovative leaders. Companies that dominate digitalization, AI, or advanced technology respond to global structural demand, growing even in uncertain environments. The five mentioned share this trait.

Stay continuously informed. Monitoring political, economic changes, and geopolitical conflicts allows for proactive portfolio adjustments. Flexibility and active risk assessment make the difference between capital protection and avoidable losses.

Consider safe-haven assets. Bonds and gold offset potential losses. After major historical declines, corrections often follow; panicking and selling usually magnify damages.

Ways to Invest in the Best Companies to Invest in the Stock Market

Individual Stocks

With an account at a bank or authorized broker, directly purchase shares of the desired company. Maximum control, maximum responsibility in selection.

Investment Funds

Include various stocks, thematic or not, managed actively or passively. Excellent for diversification without choosing each position, though it reduces selectivity.

Derivatives and CFDs

Contracts for difference allow amplifying positions with less initial capital or hedging risks against volatility through leverage. In scenarios of aggressive policies and trade wars, they can be interesting if diversified among derivatives and traditional assets to balance exposure.

Remember: Derivatives require discipline and solid knowledge; leverage magnifies both gains and losses.

Conclusion: Invest Smartly in 2025

2025 marks a contrast with the record profitability of previous years. Unprecedented volatility and uncertainty characterize the current landscape. Investors must recognize that past gains never guarantee future results, especially in unique contexts like the present.

The fundamental strategy: build sector- and geography-diversified portfolios, incorporate safe assets like bonds or gold, avoid impulsive decisions after declines, and stay informed about political, economic, and ongoing conflicts. Being prepared means being informed. In years of high volatility like 2025, rational, balanced, and well-founded investing remains the best defense of capital.