As we move further into 2025, the stock market has faced significant challenges. The S&P 500 is struggling, down 1.54% year to date as of early March. Many of the high-profile AI and tech stocks that led the market in 2023 and 2024—often referred to as The Magnificent 7—have also taken a hit.
Companies like Nvidia, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Tesla are all in the red this year, with Tesla being the worst performer, down a staggering 28.27% year to date. The only exception among these AI giants is Meta, which has managed to maintain solid gains.
However, while major AI stocks are faltering, several companies in different industries have continued to thrive. Below, I’ll highlight four stocks that are outperforming the big-name AI players so far in 2025 and discuss why they might be worth watching.
JP Morgan Chase (JPM)
JP Morgan Chase, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, has proven to be a strong performer despite market volatility.
Year-to-Date Performance
- Up 4.27% (compared to the S&P 500’s decline of 1.54%)
- Past Year Growth: 34.05%
JP Morgan’s consistent performance is largely due to its dominance in banking, investment services, and financial innovation. Even in uncertain economic conditions, the company continues to grow, benefitting from rising interest rates and strong consumer spending.
Constellation Energy (CEG)
Constellation Energy, a leader in nuclear energy and renewable power generation, has also been a standout stock.
Year-to-Date Performance
- Up 3.55%
- Past Year Growth: 31.63%
The company has benefited from increasing interest in clean energy solutions. With the global push toward sustainability and energy independence, Constellation Energy is well-positioned for long-term growth. Investors have responded positively to its stable earnings and expanding portfolio of renewable energy projects.
T-Mobile (TMUS)
T-Mobile, the leading telecommunications provider, continues to impress with strong subscriber growth and strategic network expansions.
Year-to-Date Performance
- Up 7.62%
- Past Year Growth: 62.02%
T-Mobile has been aggressively growing its 5G network, acquiring new customers, and expanding its market share. The telecom sector has remained resilient even as AI stocks have faltered, and T-Mobile’s strong fundamentals suggest further upside.
Progressive (PGR)
Progressive, one of the top insurance companies in the U.S., has been on an upward trajectory, outperforming many AI and tech stocks.
Year-to-Date Performance
- Up 17.68%
- Past Year Growth: 50%
Progressive's steady growth is attributed to its strong underwriting performance, a growing number of policies, and an ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Investors seeking stability outside the tech sector have increasingly turned to insurance stocks like Progressive.
What This Means for Investors
While AI and tech stocks have dominated headlines in recent years, 2025 has been a reminder that diversification matters. Stocks like JP Morgan Chase, Constellation Energy, T-Mobile, and Progressive have proven that investors don’t have to rely solely on AI to find strong growth opportunities.
As tariffs, trade wars, and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on the market, looking beyond AI stocks to sectors like finance, energy, telecom, and insurance could be a smart move. While AI is undoubtedly the future, short-term market fluctuations suggest that a balanced portfolio (to an extent) could be key to long-term success.