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Top Stocks Defying the Trump Slump: Which Performers Are Thriving in 2025?

Hannah Perry | March 12, 2025

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Stocks Beating the Stock Market’s Recent Trump Slump: What’s Driving Performance?

As traders navigating the bustling waves of the stock market, it’s crucial to stay ahead of trends, and this year has been no exception. In the wake of policy uncertainties and economic slowdown fears, stocks have experienced notable fluctuations, with a striking 77% of the S&P 500 seeing declines this year. But fear not, because amidst the chaos, a select few stocks are defying the odds and hitting refresh on their price charts.

The Standout Performers of 2025

Leading the charge is CVS Health Corporation (CVS), clocking a remarkable 45% increase in 2025 after a rough 2024. This turnaround has been fueled by better-than-expected financial performance, coupled with buzz surrounding a private-equity buyout deal for its rival Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which is set to heighten enthusiasm in the healthcare sector.

Not to be overlooked, Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI) has also surged impressively, boasting a 26% gain. This spike followed critical updates to its financial filings, which rescued it from the brink of delisting from Nasdaq. With a forward P/E of just 11.1, this stock is still appealing for savvy entry points.

Pulse-checking the other leaders, Philip Morris International, Inc. (PM) and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) each gained 26% and 24%, respectively, while maintaining strong fundamentals.

Analyzing Sector Performance

While CVS and its peers flaunt robust performances, let’s take a closer look at the broader S&P 500 landscape. The Health Care sector leads with a 6.1% price change, an impressive departure from the overall S&P’s -4.9% slide. Following closely are Consumer Staples at 4.5% and Real Estate at 2.6%.

On the flip side, the Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors are facing headwinds, down 11.4% and 14.0%, respectively. Notably, the tech sector is now trading below its five-year average P/E ratio, which underscores the magnitude of this year’s correction. For you chartists out there, this correction is worth monitoring for potential reversal setups.

Correlation Between Valuation and Performance

Looking at valuations offers more insights. Seven of the top-performing stocks mentioned earlier trade at forward P/E ratios below the S&P 500 average of 20.3. This valuation discrepancy suggests these stocks may still possess room for growth.

With technology dominating the market landscape, it’s noteworthy that the most expensive sectors by forward P/E—which includes the likes of Amazon (AMZN) and Tesla (TSLA)—are also struggling. Tesla’s staggering decline of 44% this year signals a significant shift in market sentiment, leaving it with a forward P/E of 73.7, a stark indicator of the overvaluation treatment.

What’s Next for Traders? Strategies to Consider

As momentum classes diverge among sectors, traders can employ several strategies to maneuver through this volatility:

  • Focus on Value: Consider stocking up on undervalued stocks such as CVS and Super Micro with robust recent performance. Their lower P/E ratios indicate potentially lucrative opportunities.
  • Sector Rotation: As healthcare and consumer staples show strength, shifting focus from tech-heavy portfolios to these outperformers may yield better results.
  • Monitor Economic Indicators: Keep an eye on the GDP Now model’s projections and Federal Reserve signals, as these can heavily influence market direction and sector performance.

Conclusion: Riding the Trend Waves

While the current market conditions present numerous challenges, staying on top of sector and performance trends is key to capitalizing on potential rebounds. CVS Health and its fellow performers highlighted here reflect the resilience present in volatile times. Remember, in trading, momentum is key—seize the opportunities, adapt your strategies, and ride the waves of change in the trading landscape.

Keep this analysis in mind as we continue to track market dynamics and emerging trends ahead of the year. Happy trading!