5 Stocks That Outperformed Gold in 2025 Despite Nifty 50, Sensex’s Zero Returns
5 Stocks That Outperformed : The Indian stock market has witnessed a turbulent start in 2025, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex delivering flat or negative returns. Investors have seen a significant erosion in wealth as the market lost nearly ₹45 lakh crore this year alone. The broader market sentiment remains weak, driven by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pulling out capital and shifting focus towards China and the U.S.
However, amid this turmoil, some stocks have not only survived but thrived, delivering returns higher than gold—one of the best-performing assets of 2025. While gold prices have surged over 12%, these five stocks from the Nifty 500 index have managed to outperform, giving returns of up to 26% so far this year. Let’s take a closer look at the stocks that have defied the broader market trend.
Market Turbulence in 2025
The Indian stock market, which peaked on September 27, 2024, has witnessed a sharp decline since then. Investor wealth has declined by a whopping ₹78 lakh crore, driven by weak corporate earnings and global uncertainty. The exit of FIIs, who have sold shares worth ₹97,104 crore in 2025 as of mid-February, has further added to the market woes.
One of the key triggers behind the sell-off has been former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recalibrate tariff rates for different countries and products. This move has created concerns over a potential trade war, pushing Indian equities into a bearish zone.
Despite this weak backdrop, five stocks have managed to shine brighter than gold, offering double-digit returns to investors.
Top 5 Stocks That Surged More Than Gold in 2025
1. SRF Ltd. (26.38% Returns)
SRF Ltd., a leading player in the chemicals and packaging industry, has delivered 26.38% returns in 2025 so far. Over the past month alone, the stock has gained more than 6.43%. The company’s strong growth outlook, focus on specialty chemicals, and solid financials have made it an investor favorite.
2. Navin Fluorine (26.35% Returns)
Navin Fluorine, a leading fluorochemical company, has seen its stock rise 26.35% this year. In the last month alone, it has gained 6.57%. The company has been benefitting from the growing demand for specialty chemicals and expansion into high-margin segments.
3. UPL Ltd. (23.85% Returns)
UPL Ltd., a major agrochemical company, has delivered 23.85% returns in 2025. The stock has witnessed a sharp rally of over 13% in the last month, supported by a strong demand outlook and global expansion initiatives.
4. SBI Cards & Payment Services (22.98% Returns)
SBI Cards, India’s second-largest credit card issuer, has seen its stock price climb by 22.98% in 2025. The growing digital payment trend and higher credit card spending have fueled its growth. In just the past month, the stock has gained over 13.85%.
5. Bajaj Finance (20.39% Returns)
Bajaj Finance, one of India’s leading NBFCs, has delivered 20.39% returns this year. With a 15.38% gain in the last month alone, the stock has shown resilience despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Financial Ratios Comparison
To give a clearer picture of why these stocks have performed well, let’s look at some key financial ratios:
| Stock | P/E Ratio | ROE (%) | ROCE (%) | Debt/Equity Ratio | 1-Month Return (%) | YTD Return (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRF | 33.5 | 19.2 | 21.8 | 0.48 | 6.43% | 26.38% |
| Navin Fluorine | 29.8 | 17.5 | 19.2 | 0.40 | 6.57% | 26.35% |
| UPL | 21.3 | 15.8 | 18.5 | 0.65 | 13.00% | 23.85% |
| SBI Cards | 35.7 | 22.4 | 24.1 | 3.12 | 13.85% | 22.98% |
| Bajaj Finance | 28.6 | 20.7 | 22.3 | 2.85 | 15.38% | 20.39% |
These stocks have maintained strong return on equity (ROE) and return on capital employed (ROCE), indicating efficient capital utilization. Moreover, their low-to-moderate debt-equity ratios suggest financial stability, making them attractive investment options in uncertain times.
Why These Stocks Outperformed?
- Sectoral Strength – Chemical stocks like SRF and Navin Fluorine have benefitted from global demand for specialty chemicals. Similarly, UPL has gained from strong demand in the agrochemical sector.
- Rising Consumer Spending – SBI Cards and Bajaj Finance have thrived due to increased consumer spending and the rapid shift towards digital payments.
- Resilience Against Market Volatility – These companies have demonstrated strong financials and consistent performance, making them attractive in volatile times.
Conclusion
While the broader market has remained under pressure in 2025, these five stocks have not only defied the odds but have also delivered returns higher than gold. With India’s economic fundamentals still intact and certain sectors poised for growth, investors looking for alternatives to traditional assets like gold may find these stocks an appealing choice.
For those navigating this volatile market, focusing on fundamentally strong companies with robust growth potential remains the key to wealth creation.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.