These Stocks Have Come Alive in ‘25

BigNumber_Image 4.01.25

The power of diversification has been on display throughout 2025

Headline after headline this week highlighted that stocks posted their worst quarterly return since 2022—with the S&P 500 down 4.3% during the first three months of the year and 7.9% through April 3rd following Trump’s Tariff announcements.

But the fact is, some areas of the equity market stayed strong and even gained ground year-to-date (YTD).  Case in point: The S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which tracks the 100 least volatile stocks in the S&P 500, is up 6.5% YTD*. That’s 14.4% better than the S&P 500’s return, marking the Low Volatility Index’s best YTD performance through April 3 relative to the broad market since the inception of the index 53 years ago (see the chart).

Given the heightened uncertainty YTD, investors favored the Low Vol index’s defensive stocks (from sectors such as utilities, staples, and healthcare). Likewise, value and dividend-paying stocks ended the quarter in the black, while the once-hot tech sector slumped.

S&P 500 Low Volatility Index YTD Performance Relative to S&P 500 Through April 3 Each Year

Source: Bloomberg, calculations by Horizon Investments, data as of 04/03/25. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Indices are unmanaged and do not have fees or expense charges, both of which would lower returns. It is not possible to invest directly in an unmanaged index.

The upshot: Diversified equity portfolios with exposure to multiple corners of the market potentially held up well YTD compared to those heavily invested in just one or two sectors. That’s good news, especially if you have clients in or nearing retirement.

Or, as Nobel Prize Laureate economist Harry Markowitz put it: Diversification is the only free lunch in investing.


* Through 04/03/25

The Standard and Poor’s 500, or simply the S&P 500, is a stock market index tracking the stock performance of 500 of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. The S&P 500 Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks in the S&P 500® based on their historical volatility. Reference to an index does not imply that any account will achieve returns, volatility or other results similar to that index. The composition of an index may not reflect the manner in which a portfolio is constructed in relation to expected or achieved returns, portfolio guidelines, restrictions, sectors, correlations, concentrations, volatility or tracking error targets, all of which are subject to change. Indices are unmanaged and do not have fees or expense charges, both of which would lower returns. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Information obtained from third party sources is believed reliable but has not been vetted by the firm or its personnel.
This commentary is written by Horizon Investments’ asset management team. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing contained herein should be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This report does not attempt to examine all the facts and circumstances that may be relevant to any company, industry, or security mentioned herein. We are not soliciting any action based on this document. It is for the general information of clients of Horizon Investments, LLC (“Horizon”). This document does not constitute a personal recommendation or take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual clients. Before acting on any analysis, advice, or recommendation in this document, clients should consider whether the security in question is suitable for their particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Investors may realize losses on any investments. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. All investing involves the risk of loss.
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