What are the best stocks to buy in 2025?

P. Laurore updated on May 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Top US Stocks to Watch in 2025
Dividend Focus: 10 High-Yield U.S. Stocks for 2025
Geographic Focus: Where to Invest in 2025?
Our guides

As 2025 takes shape amid a rapidly evolving economic backdrop — featuring continued monetary tightening, early signs of recovery in key global regions, and sweeping technological breakthroughs — both U.S. and global stock markets are undergoing a major reset. In this shifting environment, one pressing question dominates the minds of investors: which stocks are best positioned this year to capture upside potential while keeping risks in check? From American tech giants staging a comeback, to industrial leaders benefiting from onshoring trends and the expansion of clean energy, and trailblazers in artificial intelligence and precision healthcare — 2025 could prove to be a pivotal year for constructing future-proof portfolios. The real challenge is identifying where the opportunity lies — and more importantly, why. Discover the top stocks to watch, high-quality dividend payers, and long-term growth opportunities in both U.S. and international markets.

Top US Stocks to Watch in 2025

🍏 Apple Inc. (AAPL) – Innovation and Ecosystem Strength

Apple continues to leverage its robust ecosystem and innovation in hardware and services. With strong brand loyalty and expansion into new markets, it remains a solid long-term investment.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $274.05
(currently around $210.81)

📉 Key Risks: Supply chain disruptions and regulatory challenges.

💻 Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) – Cloud and AI Leadership

Microsoft's dominance in cloud computing and AI integration positions it well for continued growth. Its diversified portfolio offers resilience amid market fluctuations.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $507.66
(currently around $390.51)

📉 Key Risks: Intense competition in cloud services and potential antitrust scrutiny.

🔍 Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) – Advertising and AI Expansion

Alphabet maintains a strong foothold in digital advertising while expanding into AI and cloud services. Its diverse revenue streams support long-term growth prospects.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $204.72
(currently around $157.48)

📉 Key Risks: Regulatory pressures and shifts in advertising trends.

🛒 Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) – E-commerce and Cloud Synergy

Amazon's leadership in e-commerce and cloud computing through AWS provides a strong foundation for growth. Continued innovation and global expansion enhance its market position.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $236.61
(currently around $182.01)

📉 Key Risks: Rising operational costs and regulatory challenges.

🚗 Tesla Inc. (TSLA) – Electric Vehicles and Energy Solutions

Tesla continues to innovate in electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. Its focus on sustainable technology positions it well for future growth.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $364.34
(currently around $280.26)

📉 Key Risks: Market competition and production scalability.

💊 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – Diversified Healthcare Leader

Johnson & Johnson's diversified portfolio in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products offers stability and growth potential.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $202.74
(currently around $155.95)

📉 Key Risks: Litigation risks and regulatory changes.

🏦 JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) – Banking and Financial Services

As a leading global financial institution, JPMorgan Chase benefits from diverse revenue streams and strong capital management.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $314.51
(currently around $241.93)

📉 Key Risks: Economic downturns and regulatory compliance.

🎮 NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) – Graphics and AI Processing

NVIDIA's advancements in graphics processing and AI technology position it at the forefront of tech innovation, driving demand across industries.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $138.27
(currently around $106.36)

📉 Key Risks: Supply chain constraints and competitive pressures.

🧼 Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) – Consumer Goods Stability

Procter & Gamble's strong brand portfolio and global reach provide consistent performance, making it a reliable choice in the consumer goods sector.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $209.83
(currently around $161.41)

📉 Key Risks: Commodity price fluctuations and market saturation.

💳 Visa Inc. (V) – Global Payment Network

Visa's extensive global payment network and ongoing digital payment adoption support its growth trajectory in the financial technology space.

🎯 End-2025 Price Target: $443.30
(currently around $341.00)

📉 Key Risks: Regulatory changes and cybersecurity threats.

Dividend Focus: 10 High-Yield U.S. Stocks for 2025

For U.S. investors seeking stable, passive income, these companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges offer some of the most attractive dividend yields for 2025. They span reliable sectors such as utilities, finance, energy, and consumer staples — all known for steady cash flows and shareholder returns.

Company	Sector	Estimated 2025 Dividend	Approximate Yield	Notes
AT&T Inc. (T)	Telecommunications	$1.11	~6.4%	Leaner post-spin-off; strong cash flow despite competition
Verizon (VZ)	Telecommunications	$2.66	~6.5%	Consistent dividend history, attractive for long-term income
Altria Group (MO)	Tobacco	$3.92	~9.0%	Very high yield; supported by pricing power but under ESG pressure
Lumen Technologies (LUMN)	Infrastructure/Tech	$0.25	~7.2%	Turnaround in progress; speculative income play
Chevron Corp. (CVX)	Energy (Oil & Gas)	$6.52	~4.1%	Stable payouts, supported by strong balance sheet and oil recovery
Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)	Midstream Energy	$2.02	~7.3%	Strong coverage ratio and low volatility in energy infrastructure
Pfizer Inc. (PFE)	Pharmaceuticals	$1.68	~5.7%	Attractive yield post-COVID surge; pipeline strength key going forward
Franklin Resources (BEN)	Asset Management	$1.20	~5.0%	Cyclical but conservative with dividends
Kinder Morgan (KMI)	Energy Infrastructure	$1.13	~6.0%	Reliable cash flow, stable growth outlook in U.S. energy grid
New York Mortgage Trust (NYMT)	REITs	$0.40	~12.0%	Very high yield, but with elevated risk; suited for diversified income

AT&T Inc. (T)

Sector

Telecommunications

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$1.11

Approximate Yield

~6.4%

Notes

Leaner post-spin-off; strong cash flow despite competition

Verizon (VZ)

Sector

Telecommunications

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$2.66

Approximate Yield

~6.5%

Notes

Consistent dividend history, attractive for long-term income

Altria Group (MO)

Sector

Tobacco

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$3.92

Approximate Yield

~9.0%

Notes

Very high yield; supported by pricing power but under ESG pressure

Lumen Technologies (LUMN)

Sector

Infrastructure/Tech

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$0.25

Approximate Yield

~7.2%

Notes

Turnaround in progress; speculative income play

Chevron Corp. (CVX)

Sector

Energy (Oil & Gas)

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$6.52

Approximate Yield

~4.1%

Notes

Stable payouts, supported by strong balance sheet and oil recovery

Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)

Sector

Midstream Energy

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$2.02

Approximate Yield

~7.3%

Notes

Strong coverage ratio and low volatility in energy infrastructure

Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Sector

Pharmaceuticals

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$1.68

Approximate Yield

~5.7%

Notes

Attractive yield post-COVID surge; pipeline strength key going forward

Franklin Resources (BEN)

Sector

Asset Management

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$1.20

Approximate Yield

~5.0%

Notes

Cyclical but conservative with dividends

Kinder Morgan (KMI)

Sector

Energy Infrastructure

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$1.13

Approximate Yield

~6.0%

Notes

Reliable cash flow, stable growth outlook in U.S. energy grid

New York Mortgage Trust (NYMT)

Sector

REITs

Estimated 2025 Dividend

$0.40

Approximate Yield

~12.0%

Notes

Very high yield, but with elevated risk; suited for diversified income

Geographic Focus: Where to Invest in 2025?

In a complex and fast-evolving global landscape, geographic diversification remains essential to building a resilient portfolio. Here’s a regional breakdown of where opportunities may lie for U.S. investors in 2025:

🇨🇦 Canada: Resources, Infrastructure and Green Innovation

Canada continues to offer compelling investment opportunities in natural resources, clean energy, and infrastructure. As the global energy transition accelerates, Canadian producers of oil, gas, lithium, and solar energy stand to benefit. The country’s stable regulatory environment and abundant commodities position it as a long-term partner in the clean tech evolution.

U.S.-listed stocks with Canadian exposure to watch:

Enbridge (ENB) – High-yield pipeline operator with strong U.S./Canada integration
Brookfield Renewable (BEPC) – Global leader in renewable power based in Canada
SunPower (SPWR) – Linked to the North American solar supply chain
Barrick Gold (GOLD) – Gold exposure with Canadian roots
Bombardier (BDRBF) – Aerospace and transportation, cyclical rebound potential

🇺🇸 United States: Innovation Remains Essential

The U.S. remains the global engine of innovation. Technology, healthcare, and green energy continue to drive productivity and profitability. While valuations in sectors like AI and cloud remain elevated, they are justified by secular growth dynamics. Investors can manage volatility through diversified ETFs or targeted exposure to leaders.

Key sectors & stocks:

Technology: Microsoft (MSFT), NVIDIA (NVDA), Apple (AAPL)
Energy transition: NextEra Energy (NEE), Tesla (TSLA)
Healthcare innovation: UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Eli Lilly (LLY)

🇪🇺 Europe: A Field of Industrial and Value Opportunities

Europe presents a mix of defensive and industrial plays, especially in energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. With valuation multiples lower than U.S. peers and potential monetary easing ahead, the region could see renewed investor interest. Defense, electrification, and infrastructure are key themes.

Notable stocks for U.S. investors (via ADRs or global ETFs):

Airbus (EADSY) – Civil aviation and defense exposure
Stellantis (STLA) – Global automaker with strong EV ambitions
TotalEnergies (TTE) – Diversified oil and renewables exposure
Siemens (SIEGY) – Leader in automation and industrial software

🌏 Emerging Asia: Cautious Optimism

Select Asian markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia offer potential long-term growth — but with heightened volatility. The rebound from deflationary and policy-driven slowdowns in China, combined with the rise of the Indian middle class and Southeast Asian tech ecosystems, presents structural tailwinds.

However, geopolitical risks and regulatory opacity warrant a cautious, diversified approach, ideally via targeted ETFs.

Ideas for exposure:

Alibaba (BABA) – Still discounted vs. historic valuations
Infosys (INFY) – Indian IT services giant
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) – Broad regional exposure
KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) – Focused on China's tech sector

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P. Laurore
Finance expert
Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.
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