ASX 2025 Standout Stocks vs. XJO Index
During periods of market volatility, certain stocks have demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth compared to the XJO index this year.
Here are several shares that have historically performed well or are positioned for strong performance in 2025, based on key market trends including:
- Geopolitical instability
- Interest rate fluctuations
- Inflationary pressures
- Technological innovation, particularly in AI
- Strength in commodity markets (gold, copper, lithium, oil)
These fundamental factors continue to shape market performance and create opportunities for strategic investors despite broader market uncertainty.
Over the past 12 months, these companies have out performed the XJO in trying conditions;
As of early April 2025, several S&P/ASX 200 Index (XJO) companies have notably outperformed the index.
Here are five such stocks:
Insignia Financial Ltd (ASX: IFL)
Sector: Financials (Wealth Management)
YTD Growth +28.7% (as of Jan 2025)
Insignia Financial Ltd (ASX: IFL)Why it’s performing well:
- Takeover speculation: In early 2025, Insignia became the subject of a bidding war involving multiple parties. The offers reached $4.60 per share, driving up investor demand.
- Valuation reset: The company had been undervalued for some time, and the takeover interest sparked a broader reassessment of its intrinsic value.
- Solid fundamentals: A stable inflow of funds under management (FUM) and cost-efficiency initiatives improved its outlook, especially in a higher-rate environment.
Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)
Sector: Materials (Gold Mining)
YTD Growth: +21%
Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR)Why it’s performing well:
- Record gold production: The Gruyere JV produced 91,631 ounces in Q4 2024, setting a quarterly record.
- Strong gold prices: In 2025, gold surged past USD $3,000/oz, driven by global inflation fears, geopolitical tensions, and central bank buying.
- Low-cost production: Gold Road maintained strong operating margins, making it more attractive than higher-cost producers.
Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)
Sector: Materials (Gold Mining)
YTD Growth: +16.8%
Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)Why it’s performing well:
- Operational turnaround: After a challenging 2023, RRL improved its production efficiency and announced better-than-expected guidance for 2025.
- Gold tailwind: Like Gold Road, Regis benefited from rising gold prices, which boosted earnings outlook and investor sentiment.
- Strong balance sheet: The company reported solid reserves of cash and bullion, reducing perceived financial risk.
Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)
Sector: Technology / Fintech
YTD Growth: +39% (YoY as of Jan 2025)
Block Inc (ASX: XYZ)Why it’s performing well:
- Afterpay integration: The acquisition of Afterpay (based in Australia) continues to deliver cross-selling benefits, increasing Block’s customer base in Australia and globally.
- BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) growth in the U.S.: Block’s performance was boosted by the expansion of BNPL in the U.S. amid economic uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences.
- Tech momentum: Investors rotated back into profitable tech companies with global scale, and Block fit that profile—particularly due to strong revenue growth and improving margins.
Acrow Formwork & Construction Services Ltd (ASX: ACF)
Sector: Industrials (Construction & Engineering)
YTD Growth: +18% (approx.)
Acrow Formwork & Construction Services Ltd (ASX: ACF)Why it’s performing well:
- Strong cash flows: Acrow reported robust free cash flow in FY24 and carried that momentum into 2025, reinforcing investor confidence.
- Undervalued status: Analysts flagged Acrow as significantly undervalued, with estimates suggesting fair value at ~A$2.04, nearly double its early-2025 trading price.
- Infrastructure tailwinds: Ongoing government-backed infrastructure spending, especially in NSW and VIC, provided a favourable macro backdrop for construction services.
What These Winners Have in Common:
How well have they performed? :
The Bottom Line
The beginning of 2025 has illustrated how market volatility, favorable sector conditions, and strategic corporate moves can propel certain ASX 200 stocks to significant outperformance. Companies such as Block Inc (SQ2), Insignia Financial (IFL), and Gold Road Resources (GOR) have generated returns substantially exceeding the ASX 200 Index (XJO) benchmark, driven by strategic expansion, advantageous market dynamics, and positive investor outlook.
This performance gap highlights the value of deliberate stock selection and comprehending both macroeconomic factors and company-specific catalysts behind each upward trend. For investors employing Growth at Reasonable Price (GARP) strategies or thematic rotation approaches, early identification of these high-performing opportunities can significantly enhance portfolio alpha.
As 2025 progresses, maintaining focus on core fundamentals, valuation metrics, and momentum indicators will be essential for successfully navigating market uncertainties while maximizing growth opportunities.
What you learn here has been used in our Trade for Good software.
Click on the button to find our software education videos.
You can read more of our educational articles in the Trade for Good Learn section
Trade for Good Learn
