As 2025 draws to a close, a surge in stock market performance has rewarded many investors, especially those with substantial wealth. While the S&P 500 has climbed roughly 15% year-to-date, the Nasdaq has seen an even stronger 20% increase, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen about 9%. This upward trajectory serves to amplify existing advantages enjoyed by high-net-worth individuals — namely their financial security allows them to weather market downturns while reaping larger rewards during bull runs.
But for those already comfortably positioned financially, the question shifts from mere investment gains to strategically positioning wealth for long-term growth. GOBankingRates spoke with Edward Corona, founder of The Options Oracle AI Trade Manager, to pinpoint the investments poised to deliver substantial returns in the remaining months of 2025 and beyond.
Beyond Hype: Seeking Smart Growth Amidst Market Volatility
“For individuals who already have a strong financial foundation, it’s less about chasing the next fleeting trend and more about aligning with major industry shifts,” explains Corona. He emphasizes that the current market climate favors those able to anticipate the future rather than reacting to momentary surges.
The Power Players of 2025 & Beyond:
Based on expert insight and emerging trends, here are five key investment areas likely to benefit high-net-worth individuals as we head into 2026:
1. Riding the AI Wave: Infrastructure Over Hype
While companies like Nvidia (NVDA) have dominated headlines with their explosive growth in artificial intelligence, Corona sees a broader opportunity in those quietly building the essential infrastructure that underpins this technological revolution. “Think beyond just Nvidia and consider names like AMD (AMD),” he suggests. “They’ve recently made significant strides in AI hardware through partnerships, carving out a strong presence in the market.” Broadcom (AVGO) also stands to benefit from rising tech demand without the accompanying hype, making it another intriguing contender.
2. Recharged Clean Energy: A Second Wind for Sustainable Investments
The clean energy sector experienced a rollercoaster ride earlier this decade, fueled by initial hype followed by setbacks. However, Corona believes this volatility has created an attractive entry point for savvy investors. He predicts companies like NextEra Partners (NEP) and Enphase (ENPH) will witness renewed growth as energy storage solutions and grid modernization projects gain momentum.
3. Real Estate’s New Reality: REITs Offer Diversification and Potential
Residential and commercial real estate investment trusts (REITs) are gaining traction among high-net-worth individuals seeking diversification and attractive returns. According to Chad Cummings, an attorney and certified public accountant with experience at major financial institutions, certain property types offer compelling opportunities in the current market. He highlights that “Florida and Texas multifamily assets have experienced a price correction of 15% to 20% from their 2022 peaks.” Moreover, private REITs focused on distressed assets or refinancing strategies are now yielding over 10%, presenting a potentially lucrative alternative for investors seeking stable income.
4. Private Credit: The New Income Benchmark
The landscape of fixed income has undergone a significant shift. According to Corona, “Private credit markets have effectively replaced traditional bonds as the primary source of income generation for many investors.” These alternatives offer compelling yields while managing risk through strategic fund selection.
5. Luxury’s Enduring Appeal: Investing in Discretionary Spending
Luxury brands are more than just aspirational symbols; they represent a consistent and resilient segment of consumer spending, even during economic uncertainty. Corona points to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMUY) and Ferrari (RACE) as prime examples. “These brands tend to perform relatively well regardless of broader economic fluctuations because their target market — high-net-worth individuals — are less susceptible to financial downturns.”
As investors navigate the complexities of a dynamic global economy, these five investment strategies offer avenues for continued wealth creation and diversification, particularly for those seeking long-term growth beyond short-term market volatility.
