Investment Opportunities in 2025: Which Companies Are Worth Watching

After the historic surge in 2024, the financial markets in 2025 are full of volatility. The trade policies of the new U.S. administration have caused waves—imposing 50% tariffs on the EU, 55% on China, and 24% on Japan. These measures have led to global stock market turbulence. Amid panic, gold prices broke through $3,300 per ounce to hit a record high, as capital sought safe havens.

However, market sentiment has gradually stabilized. After spring sell-offs, major indices have returned to all-time highs. In this uncertain environment, we have compiled a list of companies to help investors find stable growth opportunities amid the fluctuations.

Five Major Investment Targets Worth Noting

In the current context of sluggish global economic growth and escalating trade frictions, choosing companies with competitive advantages, solid finances, and strong innovation capabilities is especially important. The following five companies represent investment opportunities across different industries.

Novo Nordisk (NVO): The King of Medical Innovation

This Danish firm leads the field in diabetes and obesity treatments. In 2024, sales grew 26% to DKK 29.04 billion (about $4.21 billion), but in March this year, its stock fell 27% due to intensified competition—an entry point for value investors.

The company has made two key strategic moves to strengthen its market position: in December last year, it acquired Catalent for $16.5 billion to expand capacity; in March, it reached an agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to acquire rights to LX9851, a $1 billion deal. These initiatives bolster its pipeline of innovations. Although the new drug CagriSema did not meet expectations, its early research shows a 24% weight loss effect with combined GLP-1/amyloid therapies, demonstrating strong R&D strength. Despite competitive pressures, Novo Nordisk maintains a 43% profit margin, supported by growing global demand for weight-loss therapies and long-term profit potential.

LVMH (MC): The Turning Point of Luxury Revival

This French giant encompasses top brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Bulgari, covering fashion, perfumes, jewelry, wine, and more—a full luxury ecosystem. In 2024, revenue reached €84.7 billion, operating profit €19.6 billion, with an operating margin of 23.1%, reflecting robust strength.

But 2025 performance raises concerns: in January, stock fell 6.7%; in April, another 7.7% decline. First-quarter revenue was €20.3 billion, down 3% year-over-year—slower growth despite exceeding some expectations. U.S. tariffs (initially 20%, later adjusted to 10%, with threats rising to 50%) further pressured the stock, as the U.S. market accounts for a significant portion of LVMH’s sales.

Yet, the company’s adaptability is notable. Its Dreamscape AI platform is used for personalized pricing and consumer experience; digital channels are expanding rapidly. Meanwhile, in Japan, sales grew double digits in 2024; Middle East grew 6%; new stores are opening in India. These regional growth drivers support future demand. The current stock correction may present a long-term investment opportunity.

ASML (ASML): The Crucial Gatekeeper of Chip Manufacturing

Dutch company ASML monopolizes the EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography market—an essential tool for manufacturing advanced chips, with an unshakable position. In 2024, it achieved €2.83 billion in revenue and €760 million in net profit, with a gross margin of 51.3%. Q4 revenue exceeded expectations at €930 million; Q1 revenue was €770 million, with a record gross margin of 54%, guiding for €3.2-3.5 billion for the year.

Earlier this year, the stock fell 30%, mainly due to several factors: major clients like Intel and Samsung reduced investments in advanced chip equipment; Chinese lithography firms’ technological progress poses a potential threat; the Netherlands expanded export controls on January 15, and ASML expects a 10-15% decline in sales to China.

Despite these challenges, ASML’s market position remains unshaken. The ongoing demand for AI chips and high-performance computing ensures the long-term value of EUV lithography machines. The company continues investing in innovation and capacity expansion, and the recent stock correction offers a good entry point for investors bullish on the semiconductor future.

Microsoft (MSFT): Dual Engines of Cloud Computing and AI

This tech giant, with Windows, Office, Azure cloud platform, and a strategic alliance with OpenAI, is a leading provider of enterprise generative AI. In fiscal 2024, revenue reached $245.1 billion (up 16%), operating profit $109.4 billion (up 24%), and net profit $88.1 billion (up 22%), demonstrating strong growth momentum.

However, in early 2025, the stock retreated 20% from its all-time high, hitting a low of $367.24 on March 31, with an 11% decline in Q1. Concerns about Azure’s growth slowdown, macro pressures from trade frictions and rising interest rates, and FTC investigations into Microsoft’s cloud and cybersecurity monopolies have weighed on the stock.

Yet, Microsoft’s strategic investments remain firm. Its Q3 results announced in April were solid—revenue $70.1 billion, operating margin 46%, with Azure and other cloud services growing 33%. To support its AI strategy, the company has invested record capital and announced layoffs of over 15,000 employees from May to July to streamline and focus on AI. Despite challenges, Microsoft’s strong financial foundation and continued focus on AI and cloud computing make the recent stock adjustment an opportunity for investors to gain exposure at attractive valuations.

Alibaba (BABA): The Rebound Potential of Chinese Tech

This Chinese e-commerce and cloud giant operates Taobao, Tmall, and international platform AliExpress, dominating China’s digital ecosystem. It announced a three-year, $52 billion investment plan in AI and cloud infrastructure, and launched a 5 billion RMB consumer coupon campaign to stimulate domestic demand.

As of the quarter ending December 2024, revenue was 280.2 billion RMB (up 8%); as of March 2025, revenue was 236.45 billion RMB, with adjusted net profit up 22%, and cloud intelligence segment up 18%. But in January, due to investor concerns over its massive AI and cloud spending, trade tensions, and China’s economic slowdown, the stock fell as much as 35% from its 2024 high.

Subsequently, volatility was intense: in mid-February, it rebounded over 40% along with AI stocks; in March, it fell another 7% amid perceived weak earnings. Despite short-term pressure, Alibaba’s low-price positioning may yield substantial returns in the future.

How to Build a 2025 Investment Portfolio: A Panorama of 15 Companies

Besides the five key targets above, we have selected another 10 companies worth attention:

Energy, finance, technology, and consumer sectors all have promising investment targets. Notably, energy giant ExxonMobil benefits from high oil prices and disciplined finances; JPMorgan Chase, as the largest U.S. bank, is supported by high interest rates and diversified business; tech companies like TSMC, NVIDIA, and Apple represent the main investment themes of the AI era.

How to Select These Companies for a 2025 Portfolio

In a time of rising trade protectionism and global economic uncertainty, investors need clear strategies to manage risks and seize opportunities.

Diversification is crucial. Cover different industries (tech, consumer, energy, healthcare) and regions (U.S., Europe, Asia) to hedge regional risks. Under trade tensions, prioritize companies with stable domestic market positions and business models not overly dependent on international trade.

Seek companies with solid finances and strong innovation. During economic fluctuations, firms with robust cash flows, low debt ratios, and ongoing R&D investments tend to weather cycles. Growth driven by structural demand—such as AI chips, cloud computing, new energy vehicles—is preferable over short-term cycles.

Closely monitor macro policies and geopolitical developments. Trade policies, interest rate changes, regional conflicts all influence markets. Staying informed and flexible in adjusting your portfolio is key to successful investing in 2025.

Investing in 2025: Reflections on the Current Moment

Looking back at the hot market of 2024 and the sudden shift in 2025, the market offers a profound lesson—past performance does not predict future results. In this year of uncertainty and volatility, rational, balanced, and well-informed decisions are the best defense.

Recommended actions:

First, build a diversified portfolio across industries and regions. Second, balance potential risks with safe assets like bonds or gold. Third, avoid panic selling—history shows that sharp declines often precede strong rebounds. Finally, keep close tabs on political, economic, and regional conflicts; information sensitivity determines preparedness.

The road to investing in 2025 is fraught with challenges but also ripe with real opportunities. Companies that establish industry leadership, maintain sound finances, and continue innovating will generate long-term returns regardless of short-term fluctuations. Now is the time to identify these companies and establish positions at attractive valuations.