Investment Portfolio 2025: Where to Bet in Times of Tariffs and Volatility

The current reality of global markets is complex. While gold surpasses $3,300 per ounce seeking refuge amid new trade wars, stock indices fluctuate between panic and rebound. Donald Trump has imposed tariffs ranging from 10% on general imports to 50% on the European Union and a cumulative 55% on China. Result? Unprecedented volatility on Wall Street, Asia, and Europe. But here’s the interesting part: after the initial correction in March-April, major indices are already regaining ground and once again reaching all-time highs.

For investors looking for better companies to buy stocks in this context, the question is not whether to invest, but where to do so intelligently.

What Changed in the Markets Since 2024?

In 2024, we saw record returns. Today, uncertainty dominates. The difference is substantial. While gold shines as a safe-haven asset, technology stocks have suffered significant corrections. NVIDIA fell 17% from its highs, Tesla lost 21%, Microsoft retreated 20% from its January peaks. But it’s not all pessimism: companies like Alibaba are up 28% this year, JPMorgan Chase advances 23%, and ASML maintains a 14% gain despite headwinds.

This scenario presents clear opportunities for those who know where to look.

The Best Companies to Buy Stocks Now: Sector Analysis

Technology: The Epicenter of Innovation

NVIDIA continues to dominate the AI chip market. With a market capitalization of nearly $3 trillion and an average volume of 113.54 million shares, the company is a fundamental pillar in any tech portfolio. Despite a 17% annual decline, its leadership in AI remains unquestioned.

Microsoft, at $491 per share and $3.71 trillion in market cap, reported fiscal revenues of $245.1 billion (growth of 16%), and Azure accelerated to 33% in its most recent quarter. The company announced layoffs of 15,000 employees to redirect resources toward AI, a clear sign of its strategic commitment. Its accumulated return of 18.35% reflects confidence in its direction.

ASML, the Dutch manufacturer of EUV lithography machines for advanced chip production, is another key player. With expected sales between €30 billion and €35 billion in 2025 and record gross margins of 54%, ASML is virtually irreplaceable in its niche. The 30% decline from highs presents a long-term investment opportunity.

TSMC, at $234.89 per share, leads the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors. Its YTD return of 18.89% and robust volume of 11.02 million shares position it as a safe bet in a sector with structural growth.

Luxury and Consumer: Recovery Underway

LVMH experienced cumulative declines of 25% due to macroeconomic factors and US tariffs. However, the company reports revenues of €84.7 billion and operating margins of 23.1%. Importantly: it is expanding in Japan (double-digit sales in 2024), Middle East (+6%), and India, where it will open new Louis Vuitton and Dior stores in Mumbai. At a correction price, LVMH is a bet on the recovery of global luxury consumption.

Alibaba, at $108.7 per share, rose 28% this year after more favorable regulations in China. The company is injecting $52 billion into AI and cloud, with 18% growth in its Cloud Intelligence division. Although it accumulates volatility due to Chinese macroeconomic concerns, Q1 2025 revenues reached ¥236.45 billion.

Financials: Elevated Interest Rates Favor JPMorgan

JPMorgan Chase, at $296 per share and a market cap of $822.61 billion, is the largest US bank. Its annual return of 23.48% reflects benefits from high interest rates, diversification in commercial and investment banking, and a solid financial position for international expansion. Its average volume of 8.27 million shares ensures liquidity.

Energy and Materials: Emerging Demand

Exxon Mobil, at $112 per share, benefits from high oil prices and financial discipline. Its 4.3% annual return reflects stability in a volatile sector.

BHP Group, with a market cap of $128.77 billion, leverages growing demand from emerging economies for metals like iron, copper, and nickel. Its 3.46% return and strategic resource position make it attractive.

Automotive and Healthcare

Toyota Motor provides stability with leadership in hybrids and advances in electric vehicles. Despite a 10% annual decline, it maintains solid fundamentals.

Novo Nordisk, although down 19.59% after competitive concerns, leads in diabetes and obesity with sales that grew 26% in 2024 ($290.4 billion Danish kroner). The company acquired Catalent for $16.5 billion to expand production capacity and licensed LX9851 for $1 billion to diversify its pipeline. Its margin of 43% is solid.

The Top Five Companies to Buy Stocks in 2025

1. ASML (€799.59): Essential provider of EUV machines. Margins of 54%, projected sales between €30-35 billion. The 30% decline is a buying opportunity.

2. Microsoft (€491.09): Leadership in AI and cloud. Azure accelerating to 33%. Operating margin of 46%. The 20% correction from highs is a strategic buy.

3. LVMH (€477.3): Luxury with structural recovery in Asia. Margins of 23.1%, expansion in Japan, Middle East, and India. The 25% decline opens entry.

4. Alibaba ($108.7): Chinese resurgence post-regulations. Investment of $52 billion in AI/cloud. Cloud Intelligence grows 18%. Volatility creates opportunities.

5. Novo Nordisk ($69.17): Leader in diabetes and obesity with a 43% margin. Strategic acquisitions and new drugs mitigate competition. The 19% decline after March correction.

Investment Strategy in 2025

Diversification is non-negotiable. Combine exposure to technology (where AI is growing), luxury (Asian recovery), financials (high interest rates), and raw materials (emerging demand). Don’t seek 50% returns in one year; aim for a balance between growth and protection.

Maintain exposure to safe assets like gold or bonds. Tariffs and trade tensions will continue to generate volatility, and you need buffers.

Above all: don’t panic. After big drops come rebounds. The current corrections in Microsoft, NVIDIA, Tesla, and ASML are not the end of the world; they are revaluations that open long-term entry points.

Staying informed means being prepared. Monitor politics, trade tensions, and central bank decisions. Flexibility and active risk assessment will make the difference between protecting capital and incurring unnecessary losses.

How to Buy These Stocks

Three main options:

Individual Stocks: Open an account with a bank or authorized broker and buy directly.

Investment Funds: Diversify automatically, though you lose the ability to choose specific composition.

Derivatives (CFDs): Amplify positions with less initial capital. Requires discipline and knowledge, as leverage magnifies both gains and losses.

Final Reflection

2025 will be remembered as the year when the rally of record gains slowed and gave way to volatility. But volatility is not the enemy of disciplined investors; it’s opportunity in disguise.

The best companies to buy stocks now are not necessarily those that rise the fastest, but those with solid fundamentals: healthy margins, strong market position, constant innovation, and presence in sectors with structural demand like AI, semiconductors, Asian luxury, and alternative energies.

Invest in a diversified portfolio. Invest in safe assets. Don’t panic. And above all, stay informed. The future belongs to those who prepare their decisions today.