The most noteworthy companies to watch in 2025: Finding investment opportunities amid uncertainty

2025 is not a smooth road for investors. Unlike the record-breaking returns of 2024, this year the global financial markets have plunged into unprecedented volatility. Particularly, the trade barrier policies implemented by the new U.S. administration have had far-reaching impacts: the EU faces 50% tariffs, China a total of 55%, and Japan 24%—these figures not only alter market expectations but also ignite a scramble among investors for “safe haven” assets. Gold breaking through the $3,300 mark is a prime reflection of this sentiment.

But this is precisely the opportunity for investors. After initial panic, global stock markets have rebounded quickly, with major indices pushing back toward all-time highs. In this era of both challenges and opportunities, we have compiled the most promising investment targets for 2025.

5 Companies You Should Not Miss

Against the backdrop of escalating trade frictions and high interest rates, choosing the right companies for investment becomes especially critical. The companies we selected share three common traits: first, they possess global competitiveness and can sustain growth amid protectionist waves; second, they have solid financial fundamentals and resilience to cyclical fluctuations; third, they operate in structurally growing sectors representing future development directions.

Novo Nordisk(NVO) — Leader in the “Weight Loss” Sector

Danish biopharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk dominates in diabetes and obesity treatment. In 2024, its sales reached DKK 42.5 billion (about $4.21 billion), up 26%. Despite a sharp 27% stock decline earlier this year—its largest since 2002—due to intensified competition and underwhelming clinical data for new drugs, the company responded swiftly.

The acquisition of Catalent (valued at $16.5 billion) at the end of last year directly expanded capacity. Additionally, a March agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (worth $1 billion) introduced a new mechanism for obesity treatment. While these measures don’t eliminate competitive pressures immediately, a gross margin of 43% and ongoing R&D investments indicate the company still has “ammunition.” Its dual-target molecules showed a 24% weight loss in early trials, which is promising.

Global demand for diabetes and obesity therapies continues to rise, providing Novo Nordisk with a solid foundation for long-term growth.

LVMH Group(MC) — The “Turning Point” in Luxury Goods

French luxury giant LVMH owns top brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and others across fashion, fragrances, jewelry, and spirits. In 2024, the group’s revenue hit €84.7 billion, with an operating profit of €19.6 billion, and a profit margin of 23.1%.

However, in 2025, the stock faced dual blows: a 6.7% decline in January and another 7.7% in April. Q1 revenue was €20.3 billion, down 3% year-over-year, raising doubts about the pace of luxury market recovery. Further, U.S. tariffs on EU goods (initially 20%, then reduced to 10%, with threats of rising to 50%) directly impacted LVMH’s U.S. sales.

Yet, such adjustments also contain opportunities. The group leverages AI platform Dreamscape for personalized pricing and consumer experiences, while actively expanding digital channels. Geographically, Japan achieved double-digit growth in 2024, the Middle East grew 6%, and new stores in Mumbai for Louis Vuitton and Dior lay the groundwork for long-term expansion.

ASML—The “Chokehold” Chip Equipment Company

Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML controls the lifeline of advanced chip production globally. Its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment is the only choice for manufacturing 5nm and below chips. In 2024, net revenue was €28.3 billion, with a net profit of €7.6 billion, and a gross margin of 51.3%. In Q1 2025, sales reached €7.7 billion, with a record gross margin of 54%, and full-year guidance remains between €30-35 billion.

The stock retreated 30% from its high, mainly due to clients like Intel and Samsung reducing investments in advanced processes, Chinese competitors making breakthroughs in lithography tech, and the Netherlands tightening export controls in January (expected to reduce sales to China by 10-15%, but not alter annual guidance).

Despite these challenges, ASML’s monopoly remains firm. The growing demand for AI chips and high-performance computing ensures long-term need for EUV equipment. The company plans to maintain a gross margin of 51-53%, with ongoing innovation investments strengthening its competitive moat.

( Microsoft)MSFT### — Dual Engines of Cloud and AI

American tech giant Microsoft maintains an unshakable position with Windows, Office, Azure cloud platform, and Xbox ecosystem. In fiscal 2024, revenue reached $245.1 billion( +16%), operating income $109.4 billion( +24%), and net profit $88.1 billion( +22%).

Early in the year, the stock retraced 20% from its all-time high, hitting an intraday low of $367.24 on March 31, with an 11% decline in Q1. Concerns centered on Azure’s slowing growth, high valuation, and U.S. FTC investigations into its cloud and cybersecurity monopolies.

However, Q3 results released in April eased some worries: revenue of $70.1 billion, with an operating margin of 46%. More importantly, Azure and other cloud services grew 33%. To support this growth, Microsoft invested record capital expenditures and implemented over 15,000 layoffs from May to July to restructure and focus on AI. This demonstrates management’s commitment to reshaping growth drivers through concrete actions.

( Alibaba)BABA### — China’s “Restart Journey”

Chinese internet giant Alibaba controls platforms like Taobao and Tmall, and holds a significant position in cloud computing and digital services. To strengthen AI and cloud infrastructure, the group announced a three-year plan with a $52 billion investment and launched a 50 billion RMB consumer stimulus coupon campaign.

In Q4 2024, revenue was ¥280.2 billion, up 8% YoY; Q1 2025 revenue was ¥236.45 billion, with a 22% increase in adjusted net profit, and cloud intelligence segment up 18%.

However, in January, the stock fell 35% from its 2024 high, due to investor concerns over AI and cloud spending, trade frictions, and China’s economic slowdown. Volatility was evident: a mid-February rebound of over 40% on AI hype, followed by a 7% decline in March amid weak earnings.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Alibaba’s long-term fundamentals remain solid. Cash flow from e-commerce, growth potential in cloud services, and strategic AI investments provide reasons for investors to position at low levels.

Complete Investment List: 15 Companies at a Glance

In addition to the five key companies above, we have selected 10 other high-quality global listed companies worth tracking. This list covers energy(ExxonMobil, BHP), finance(JPMorgan Chase), automotive(Toyota, Tesla), semiconductors(TSMC, Nvidia), lithography equipment(ASML), and tech giants(Apple, Google, Amazon), among others.

This diversified portfolio aims to balance “defense” and “offense” amid uncertainty: defense through traditional energy, financial, and consumer cyclicals; offense through semiconductors, cloud computing, and AI-related tech firms.

How to Choose in the Shadow of Trade Wars

Step 1: Prioritize companies with strong domestic market fundamentals. In an environment of rising protectionism, companies with dominant positions domestically and less reliance on international trade are less risky.

Step 2: Focus on innovation and digitalization leaders. Companies with competitive advantages in AI, cloud computing, biotech, and other structurally growing sectors can maintain growth even amid economic cycles.

Step 3: Keep an eye on policy and geopolitical changes. Trade policies, exchange rates, and geopolitical conflicts can significantly impact stock prices in the short term. Flexibility and active news tracking are essential for risk mitigation.

Three Action Plans for Investors

1. Single Stock Purchase — Directly buy shares through banks or authorized brokers. Advantages include full control over the portfolio; disadvantages involve more research required.

2. Fund Investment — Achieve diversification via mutual funds, especially thematic funds( like AI or green energy), which can quickly provide exposure to relevant sectors but sacrifice some flexibility.

3. Derivatives Instruments — In high-volatility environments, CFDs( and other derivatives can amplify gains through leverage but also increase risks. Given current trade tensions and high interest rates, using derivatives requires strict risk control and should be part of a broader allocation, not the sole approach.

Final Reminder

2025 is likely to be remembered as a year when profit growth suddenly stalls and disorderly volatility becomes the new normal. Unlike previous years, past performance does not predict future results—the unique and unprecedented complexity of the current environment makes market prediction especially difficult.

What should investors do now?

Build a diversified portfolio across regions and sectors to avoid overexposure to specific risks. Allocate some assets to bonds and precious metals for defense against potential market downturns. Avoid panic selling—history shows that after sharp corrections, markets often rebound; hasty exits only magnify losses. Stay alert to global political and economic developments and conflicts, as information advantage often translates into decision advantage.

In such a market environment, rational, balanced, and knowledge-driven investing remains the best defense for protecting and growing capital.