The 5 actions you should consider in 2025 as markets rethink their strategy

2025 has brought with it a reality that few expected: after the historic records of 2024, global financial markets now face unprecedented volatility. The tariffs imposed by the US administration —10% base, 50% on the EU, 55% cumulative on China, and 24% on Japan— initially triggered a cascade of sell-offs. However, after the March-April correction, stock indices have rebounded to new all-time highs, creating a paradoxical environment: opportunities and risks coexist.

Amid this uncertainty, some assets stand out for their potential. Gold has reached highs above $3,300 per ounce, reflecting investors’ search for refuge. But if you’re looking for exposure to equities, here we analyze five options that combine financial solidity with real profitability catalysts.

Top 5 Stocks with Perspectives for 2025

1. Novo Nordisk: the bet on health and pharmaceutical innovation

Danish company Novo Nordisk has had a tumultuous year. After gaining 26% in sales during 2024 (reaching $42.1 billion), its shares plummeted 27% in March 2025 — the steepest decline since 2002 — amid fears of competition from rivals like Eli Lilly.

But the story doesn’t end there. The company is taking aggressive defensive moves. In December 2024, it completed the acquisition of Catalent for $16.5 billion, expanding production capacity. In March, it signed a $1 billion agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to incorporate LX9851, an experimental drug with a different mechanism from its current treatments.

What supports this thesis: operating margins of 43%, a solid pipeline (with GLP-1/Amylin showing 24% weight loss in early studies), and sustained global demand for therapies against diabetes and obesity. Despite competitive uncertainties, the stock correction offers an attractive entry point.

2. LVMH: luxury transitioning into emerging markets

LVMH reported revenues of €84.7 billion in 2024 with an operating margin of 23.1%. But January-April 2025 was challenging: declines of 6.7% in January and 7.7% in April after Q1 results showed modest growth (-3% year-over-year).

US tariffs of 20% reduced to 10% until July, with threats of escalation to 50%, have pressured valuations. However, the company identifies real opportunities: Japan showed double-digit sales in 2024, Middle East grew 6%, and India will be a focus with new Louis Vuitton and Dior stores in Mumbai.

LVMH is also aggressively digitizing: launched Dreamscape, an AI platform to personalize prices and experiences. The current correction positions the French luxury giant as a candidate for medium-term recovery, leveraging the reopening of Asian markets and a rebound in international tourism.

3. ASML: the bottleneck of semiconductors

ASML Holding is virtually irreplaceable: the only global provider of EUV lithography machines, a critical technology for manufacturing the most advanced chips. In 2024, it reached €28.3 billion in sales and €7.6 billion in net income, with a gross margin of 51.3%.

Q1 2025 was even stronger: €7.7 billion in revenue, a record gross margin of 54%, and guidance of €30-35 billion for 2025. But shares fell ~30% over the past year due to several factors: Intel and Samsung reduced investments, while TSMC and SK Hynix maintain high capex. Additionally, the Netherlands expanded export controls (ASML estimates a 10-15% impact on sales to China).

Despite this, demand for advanced chips for AI and high-performance computing remains structurally strong. The recent correction could be an opportunity for investors seeking semiconductor exposure without overpaying.

4. Microsoft: the bet on enterprise AI

Microsoft reported revenues of $245.1 billion in 2024, a 16% growth. Operating income grew 24%, net 22%. Its Copilot ecosystem and strategic alliance with OpenAI position it as a leading provider of enterprise generative AI.

But Q1 2025 was challenging: shares corrected ~20% from highs, hitting an intraday low of $367.24 on March 31. Concerns centered on valuation, the relative slowdown of Azure, and trade tensions. The FTC is also investigating monopolistic practices in cloud.

The fiscal Q3 (April 2025) showed resilience: revenues of $70.1 billion, a 46% operating margin, and Azure grew 33%. But it requires massive investment: between May and July, it announced +15,000 layoffs to redirect resources to AI. Despite volatility, Microsoft maintains a solid financial position and leadership in critical technologies. The correction could be an attractive entry point.

5. Alibaba: potential rebound after regulatory adjustments

Alibaba has experienced a resurgence after years of stricter Chinese regulations. In Q4 2024, it reported ¥280.2 billion (up 8%), and in Q1 2025, ¥236.45 billion with adjusted net profit growing 22%, driven by Cloud Intelligence (+18%).

Shares fell 35% from 2024 highs in January due to concerns over massive investments in AI/cloud and China’s economic slowdown. However, the group announced a three-year plan of $52 billion to strengthen AI and cloud infrastructure, plus a campaign of ¥50 billion in coupons to revitalize domestic consumption.

Volatility was extreme afterward: rebounded +40% until mid-February, then declined 7% after Q1 results. But the growth potential in cloud computing and digital services for the Chinese economy remains intact. Taking advantage of low prices now could generate significant returns.

How to choose among these stocks: a strategy for 2025

The current context demands clarity. With new trade tensions and unpredictable tariffs, investors should focus on:

Real diversification: Not only across sectors (energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, luxury) but geographically. The five options above cover presence in the US, Europe, and Asia, reducing regional risk concentration.

Financial solidity: Look for companies with robust operating margins, healthy balance sheets, and innovation capacity. Novo Nordisk, LVMH, ASML, and Microsoft meet these criteria. Alibaba is more cyclical but with clear growth catalysts.

Structural demand: Prioritize companies responding to long-term trends (aging population = pharmaceuticals, automation = semiconductors, digital consumption = e-commerce and cloud). Avoid betting solely on short-term cycles.

Flexibility: Stay informed about political and commercial changes. Trump tariffs, European regulations, and China-West dynamics are variables that can quickly reposition portfolios.

The current outlook: volatility as an opportunity

The all-time highs of 2024 set high expectations. 2025 is readjusting them, but not permanently. The January-April corrections, in fact, created attractive buying points in several of these stocks.

Rational investing isn’t about predicting the future but building balanced portfolios that withstand volatility while capitalizing on real trends. Novo Nordisk, LVMH, ASML, Microsoft, and Alibaba embody exactly that: leading companies facing challenges but with fundamentals that allow them to overcome uncertainty.

If you seek exposure to equity markets, these five options deserve thorough analysis. 2025 probably won’t repeat 2024’s records, but it will offer opportunities for disciplined and well-positioned investors.