Though still positive in terms of stock market performance, 2025 has, so far, been a far more timid bull market than was anticipated as the U.S. – and the world – were shaken by multiple disruptive events.
After President Joe Biden’s final round of semiconductor export restrictions called the sustainability of the chipmakers’ rally into question, the release of China’s novel DeepSeek artificial intelligence (AI) platform triggered a massive selloff, which was itself exacerbated by the first significant round of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
By press time on February 13, the U.S. stock market was such that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) – designed to provide a cross-section of the American economy – is up 4.66% year-to-date (YTD).
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Though such performance could, under other circumstances, be seen as highly positive, with the year being a mere 43 days old, the fact it was 5.87% in the green YTD as recently as January 30 somewhat spoils the sentiment.
Given the turbulence and the fact DJIA is, in fact, down 0.40% since the end of January, Finbold decided to examine the index and find which stocks have the most momentum this February.
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)
While much work lies ahead for Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) to overcome the DeepSeek and tariff-related losses, February has shown the semiconductor giant still has a strong leg to stand on.
Specifically, despite still being 5.18% in the red YTD at their latest closing price of $131.14, NVDA shares have rallied an impressive 9.22% since January 31.
The rally is indicative of the broad perception that many of the Trump tariffs are likely either to be avoided through negotiations – as has, so far, been the case with Colombia, Mexico, and Canada – or to be effectively absorbed.
Furthermore, though DeepSeek’s entry into the playing field was profoundly disruptive, many now believe it does not jeopardize Silicon Valley’s advancements but will only help speed up AI development and adoption.
Still, Nvidia stock investments remain somewhat fraught as the chipmaking powerhouse is set to unveil its latest quarterly report in less than two weeks. Though the figures are likely to be strong – especially with the period covered preceding many of the adverse developments of recent months – there is room for disappointment given the highly optimistic forecasts.
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO)
After trading relatively flat in 2025 – between January 2 and February 10, its stock rose 4.38% – Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) unexpectedly soared in the last 48 hours on a particularly strong earnings report.
Indeed, the biggest soft drink maker in the world announced it saw a marked increase in its sales and net income, which enabled it to beat revenue – recording $11.54 billion instead of the predicted $10.68 billion – and earnings per share (EPS) forecasts – $0.55 instead of the anticipated $0.52.
The rally after the filing ensured KO shares were changing hands at $68.71 at their latest close for a total YTD rise of 11.11%.
Furthermore, the rally ensured that after climbing less than 5% by February 10, Coca-Cola stock is now a full 8.24% up since January 31, making it the second-best performing DJIA company since the current month started.
Featured image via Shutterstock
