You might have heard about Covid, widely known as Covid19 being back on most of the countries and sudden upsurge in cases/deaths now in this mid 2025! (looking at it, it might be soon called #Covid25 :( While we already living with it for past 4 years, not sure why there is a sudden spike or media attention to this. If the news are too be true, then we might go for another possible lockdown on the world if there are deaths/spike in cases, which i strongly wish not to happen as it took very long for us to recover both financially and memories of our loved ones. But, there are few people who got profit due to that too by investing on stockmarket/share market! So, i will share for people who might need them. Remember All insights are sourced from publicly available online research (Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, etc.) and are for informational purposes only. I do not promote any individual stocks or financial strategies. Always do your own research—past performance does not guarantee future returns!
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the financial markets, creating unprecedented opportunities for some sectors while pushing others toward collapse. Investors worldwide rushed to identify “lockdown-proof stocks”—assets that could thrive even in crisis scenarios. Fast forward to 2025, and the lessons from those turbulent times continue to shape investment strategies today.
This article explores:
✅ The biggest stock gainers during past lockdowns
✅ How market crashes created dip-buying opportunities
✅ Which sectors still hold strong future potential
✅ New market trends investors should watch
Before we dive in let me reiterate—this article is purely informational. All insights are based on online research and financial sources.
Chapter 1: The Pandemic’s Impact on Global Markets
COVID-19 hit the world like a shockwave. Countries scrambled to implement lockdowns, halting economic activity overnight. Traditional industries suffered while new market trends emerged that changed the global investment landscape forever.
🔎 The Crash & The Recovery
The March 2020 stock market crash wiped out trillions of dollars in market value within weeks. Savvy investors saw the “dip buying opportunity” and jumped into sectors primed for rapid recovery:
✅ Tech stocks surged as people shifted to remote work and embraced digital life
✅ Healthcare & biotech stocks thrived thanks to rapid vaccine development
✅ E-commerce exploded as consumers turned away from physical stores
This cycle of panic, correction, and rally created fortunes for some investors while leaving others struggling with losses.
Chapter 2: The Lockdown Stock Winners – Which Companies Thrived?
Now, let’s look at the top-performing stocks during the lockdown era—broken down by country. The lists below outline the top 50 stock gainers in each region, highlighting those companies that not only flourished under crisis conditions but also set the stage for what’s coming next.
🏆 United States: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers
Zoom Video Communications (ZM) – The ultimate work-from-home breakthrough 🚀 (You might have also heard Amazon replacing Amazon chime with Zoom)
Moderna (MRNA) – Pioneered vaccine development 💉
Amazon (AMZN) – E-commerce dominance ignited 📦
Tesla (TSLA) – Led the EV revolution ⚡
Netflix (NFLX) – Streaming subscriptions soared 🎬
Peloton Interactive (PTON) – Home fitness redefined workouts
DocuSign (DOCU) – Digitized contracts and remote workflows
Nvidia (NVDA) – AI, gaming, and high-performance computing surged
Apple (AAPL) – Continued innovation and ecosystem strength
Microsoft (MSFT) – Cloud computing and enterprise solutions championed growth
Alphabet (GOOGL) – Digital advertising and cloud services flourished
Shopify (SHOP) – Empowered small business e-commerce
PayPal (PYPL) – Digital payments took off
Roku (ROKU) – Streaming media consumption exploded
Etsy (ETSY) – Home-based entrepreneurship boomed
Twilio (TWLO) – Cloud communications revolutionized business interactions
CrowdStrike (CRWD) – Cybersecurity became a must-have
BioNTech (BNTX) – A key player in vaccine innovation
Novavax (NVAX) – Advanced biotech in a race for solutions
Teladoc Health (TDOC) – Telehealth services expanded rapidly
Carvana (CVNA) – Reinvented online car sales
Chewy (CHWY) – Pet care e-commerce flourished
Wayfair (W) – Home décor and furnishings surged
Pinterest (PINS) – Visual discovery and social commerce grew
Snap Inc. (SNAP) – Social media engagement skyrocketed
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) – Mining and raw materials saw renewed interest
Albemarle (ALB) – Lithium and battery tech exploded
Bath & Body Works (BBWI) – Retail adaptation paid off
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) – Healthcare services stood strong
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) – Developed innovative COVID treatments
Pfizer (PFE) – Continued as a pharma and vaccine powerhouse
McDonald's (MCD) – Fast food sector maintained resilience
Walmart (WMT) – Retail and grocery demand climbed
Target (TGT) – Blended digital and brick-and-mortar retail
Home Depot (HD) – Saw a surge in DIY projects
Lowe’s (LOW) – Benefited from home improvement trends
Disney (DIS) – Pivoted with a streaming focus and diversified media
Uber Technologies (UBER) – Reinvented ride-sharing and delivery
DoorDash (DASH) – Food delivery drew massive gains
Square (SQ) – Stood out in the FinTech revolution
Visa (V) – Payment processing remained robust
Mastercard (MA) – Digital transactions surged forward
Salesforce (CRM) – Cloud-based business solutions thrived
Adobe (ADBE) – Digital marketing and content creation soared
Intel (INTC) – Revitalized semiconductor innovations
AMD (AMD) – Led in chip design and production
Boeing (BA) – Began its long recovery from aerospace challenges
General Motors (GM) – Transitioned speedily toward electric vehicles
Ford (F) – Reinvented itself with EV initiatives
Starbucks (SBUX) – Rebounded with a strong consumer demand for premium coffee
🇮🇳 India: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers during #Covid19
Adani Enterprises – Soared with expansive infrastructure initiatives
Bharat Electronics (BEL) – Benefited from heightened defense spending
Trent – Showed resilience in the evolving retail landscape
Mahindra & Mahindra – Embraced the EV wave for auto revival
Tata Motors – Expanded into EV and commercial sectors
Hindalco Industries – Led industrial and metals growth
Reliance Industries – Diversified into telecom and e-commerce
State Bank of India (SBI) – Banking resurgence through recovery
Infosys – IT services propelled digital transformation
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) – Capitalized on infrastructure booms
Bajaj Finserv – Consumer finance soared amid rising credit demand
Titan Company – Luxury retail and consumer goods shined
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries – Reaped gains in the pharma space
Asian Paints – Benefited from elevated home improvement spending
Maruti Suzuki – Rebounded as the auto market reactivated
Nestlé India – FMCG and food security remained robust
Wipro – Continued leadership in IT and cloud services
Tech Mahindra – Drove digital transformation initiatives
Cipla – Expanded its reach in healthcare and pharma
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories – Rose through vaccine and pharma innovations
Divi’s Laboratories – Excelled in biotech and pharma demand
SBI Life Insurance – Reinforced insurance sector stability
Bajaj Finance – Soared with broad-based financial services
HCL Technologies – Delivered IT automation and digital solutions
IndusInd Bank – Recorded robust recovery in banking
Adani Ports & SEZ – Leveraged logistics and infrastructure trends
Tata Steel – Benefitted from industrial and metals recovery
Grasim Industries – Cemented its role in construction growth
HDFC Bank – Continued its dominance in the financial space
Kotak Mahindra Bank – Expanded through dynamic financial strategies
ICICI Bank – Maintained resilience in a volatile market
ONGC – Saw improvement in the energy sector
Power Grid Corporation – Advanced significantly in energy infrastructure
NTPC – Benefitted from a focus on renewable energy
Indian Oil Corporation – Played a vital role in energy recovery
Britannia Industries – FMCG strength secured steady returns
Dabur India – Capitalized on health and wellness trends
Hero MotoCorp – Regained momentum in the auto sector
Bajaj Auto – Excelled in the two-wheeler segment
Escorts Limited – Propelled the industrial and capital goods sectors
SBI Cards & Payment Services – Thrived amid the digital payments boom
Godrej Consumer Products – Built on hygiene and consumer care trends
Shree Cement – Benefited from escalating infrastructure projects
UPL Limited – Drove agrochemical innovations and farming efficiency
Eicher Motors – Advanced in premium motorcycle and auto segments
Pidilite Industries – Cemented its role in adhesives and construction materials
Marico Limited – Capitalized on evolving consumer wellness needs
Ambuja Cements – Delivered steady returns with rising construction demand
Adani Green Energy – Took the lead in renewable energy investments
Adani Total Gas – Benefited from the momentum in clean energy and gas distribution
🌏 China: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers during #Covid19
Alibaba Group (BABA) – Dominated e-commerce and cloud computing
JD.com – Excelled in logistics and digital retail
Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) – Expanded its empire in gaming, social media, and fintech
Meituan Dianping (3690.HK) – Revolutionized food delivery services
Ping An Insurance (2318.HK) – Reinforced digital financial services
Xiaomi Corporation (1810.HK) – Emerged as a giant in smartphones and consumer electronics
NetEase (NTES) – Saw robust growth in online gaming and entertainment
Weibo Corporation (WB) – Strengthened its social media influence
China Mobile (941.HK) – Continued rapid expansion of telecom networks
China Unicom (762.HK) – Advanced digital communications infrastructure
China Telecom (728.HK) – Accelerated the development of 5G infrastructure
Midea Group (000333.SZ) – Championed innovation in smart home appliances
Haier Electronics (1169.HK) – Benefited from surging consumer electronics demand
Geely Automobile Holdings (0175.HK) – Pioneered smart auto strategies and EV developments
BYD Company (1211.HK) – Led in the electric vehicle and battery innovation race
NIO Inc. (NIO) – Emerged as a frontrunner in the smart electric vehicle space
Li Auto (LI) – Advanced cutting-edge smart electric vehicle offerings
XPeng Inc. (XPEV) – Drove forward the emerging smart EV market
Kweichow Moutai (600519.SH) – Reigned in the premium liquor segment
Wanhua Chemical Group (600309.SH) – Surged with industrial chemical production
Fosun International (0656.HK) – Leveraged its diversified portfolio in health and investments
(002024.SZ) – Pivoted to retail and e-commerce excellence
Group (TCOM) – Rebounded with dynamic shifts in travel and tourism
SF Express (002352.SZ) – Strengthened its logistics and delivery operations
Gree Electric Appliances (000651.SZ) – Excelled in innovations for smart home technology
Hikvision Digital Technology (002415.SZ) – Expanded significantly in AI-driven security
ZTE Corporation (000063.SZ) – Made strides in advancing 5G telecommunications
TCL Corporation (000100.SZ) – Saw rapid growth in the consumer electronics sector
Dongfeng Motor Corporation (0489.HK) – Navigated the auto industry rebound steadily
SAIC Motor Corporation (600104.SH) – Invested heavily in smart and electric vehicles
Changan Automobile (000625.SZ) – Sustained momentum in traditional and smart auto segments
CRRC Corporation (601766.SH) – Led rail transit and transportation solutions
China Railway Group (601390.SH) – Boosted critical infrastructure projects
Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (600000.SH) – Recorded strong banking performance
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (1398.HK) – Dominated the financial space
China Construction Bank (0939.HK) – Expanded its investment and lending services
Agricultural Bank of China (1288.HK) – Strengthened its role in comprehensive banking
Bank of China (3988.HK) – Advanced in global financial operations
Ping An Insurance (601318.SH) – (Dual-listed) Continued its leadership in insurance
China Merchants Bank (600036.SH) – Innovated in digital banking channels
China Life Insurance (601628.SH) – Saw steady expansion in the insurance market
Wuliangye Yibin (000858.SZ) – Excelled in the premium liquor category
Yili Group (600887.SH) – Strengthened its leadership in dairy and food products
Mengniu Dairy (2319.HK) – Captured gains in consumer goods and food
Anker Innovations (300866.SZ) – Expanded dominantly in smart tech accessories
JD Logistics (2618.HK) – Became integral to supply chain efficiency
iQiyi (IQ) – Advanced online streaming and digital entertainment
Huya Inc. (HUYA) – Surged in live streaming and gaming content
Bilibili Inc. (BILI) – Expanded user engagement through video content
Pinduoduo Inc. (PDD) – Emerged as a major force in social-driven e-commerce growth
🇪🇺 Europe: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers during #Covid19
AstraZeneca (AZN.L) – Led pharmaceutical efforts and vaccine development
LVMH (MC.PA) – Luxury brands rebounded with remarkable vigor
Unilever (ULVR.L) – Consumer staples and hygiene products thrived
SAP (SAP.DE) – Dominated with enterprise and cloud solutions
Siemens (SIE.DE) – Advanced industrial automation and renewable energy
L’Oréal (France) – Beauty and personal care surged globally
Volkswagen (Germany) – Accelerated into EV production
Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group, Germany) – Pivoted strongly toward electric mobility
BMW Group (Germany) – Continued innovation in automotive technology
TotalEnergies (France) – Diversified its energy portfolio sustainably
GlaxoSmithKline (UK) – Reinforced its pharmaceutical leadership
Nestlé (Switzerland) – Delivered steady growth in food and beverages
Novartis (Switzerland) – Drove healthcare innovation
Roche (Switzerland) – Advanced biotech and diagnostics
ING Group (Netherlands) – Excelled in banking transformation
Royal Philips (Netherlands) – Transformed into a health technology leader
Shell (UK/Netherlands) – Navigated shifting energy markets
BP (UK) – Reconfigured its energy strategy amid change
HSBC Holdings (UK) – Remained a stalwart in global banking
Barclays (UK) – Pioneered digital innovation in finance
BNP Paribas (France) – Maintained strong financial services
Crédit Agricole (France) – Cemented stability in banking
Société Générale (France) – Embraced rapid digital transition
Airbus (Multi-country) – Initiated its aerospace recovery
Schneider Electric (France) – Capitalized on sustainable energy management
Ericsson (Sweden) – Led telecom infrastructure expansion
Volvo (Sweden) – Transformed its automotive and transportation portfolio
H&M (Sweden) – Pivoted effectively to digital retail
Electrolux (Sweden) – Benefited from increased home appliance demand
Nokia (Finland) – Accelerated its telecom transformation
KONE (Finland) – Innovated in modern building solutions
Ahold Delhaize (Netherlands) – Advanced multi-channel retail strategies
Heineken (Netherlands) – Adapted consumer beverage trends
Danone (France) – Strengthened its nutritional products division
Sanofi (France) – Continued leadership in pharmaceuticals
Carrefour (France) – Demonstrated retail adaptability
E.ON (Germany) – Drove forward green energy initiatives
RWE (Germany) – Expanded renewable energy projects
ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg) – Remained a major industrial player
Stellantis (France/Italy) – Consolidated automotive brands into a new era
Telefonica (Spain) – Improved digital communication infrastructure
Sberbank Europe AG (Germany) – Bolstered financial services in Europe
UBI Banca (Italy) – Showed room for growth in regional banking
UniCredit (Italy) – Continued to innovate in the financial sector
Enel (Italy) – Pushed forward with sustainable energy
Solvay (Belgium) – Advanced in specialty chemicals and materials
LafargeHolcim (Switzerland) – Inspired in sustainable construction
Capgemini (France) – Expanded digital transformation solutions
Atos (France) – Enhanced IT and digital consulting
Dassault Systèmes (France) – Innovated in software and digital modeling
🇯🇵 Japan: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers during #Covid19
Toyota Motor Corporation – Maintained global leadership in automotive innovation
Sony Group Corporation – Surged in electronics and entertainment
SoftBank Group Corp. – Drove significant investments in tech
Nintendo Co., Ltd. – Benefited greatly from a surge in gaming
Keyence Corporation – Excelled in automation and sensor technology
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. – Rebounded in an evolving auto market
Daikin Industries – Advanced in air conditioning and climate control
Fast Retailing (Uniqlo) – Expanded its global apparel reach
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group – Remained resilient in banking
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group – Navigated recovery in the finance sector
Mitsubishi Corporation – Diversified holdings saw robust gains
Recruit Holdings – Fueled growth through HR and tech innovations
Shiseido Company, Limited – Capitalized on beauty and personal care trends
FANUC Corporation – Dominated in robotics and automation
Orix Corporation – Led diversified financial services
Mitsui & Co. – Benefitted from expansive trade and investment
Itochu Corporation – Excelled through diversified global trade
Japan Airlines (JAL) – Began a sturdy recovery in aviation
All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Reconstructed its operations post-crisis
Canon Inc. – Advanced in imaging and printing solutions
Ricoh Company, Ltd. – Soared with demand for office tech adaptations
Konica Minolta – Saw growth through diversified technology
NTT Data Corporation – Expanded in digital transformation
Fujifilm Holdings Corporation – Transitioned successfully through healthcare imaging
CyberAgent, Inc. – Grew its digital media and advertising divisions
LINE Corporation – Enhanced social media and messaging innovations
Dai Nippon Printing – Adapted to the digital age in printing and logistics
Nidec Corporation – Surged as a leader in electric motor manufacturing
Sharp Corporation – Reinvented its consumer electronics portfolio
Yaskawa Electric Corporation – Excelled in industrial robotics
M3, Inc. – Advanced in digital medical platforms
Sega Sammy Holdings – Benefited from entertainment and gaming
JFE Holdings – Made strides in steel production and industrial growth
Japan Post Holdings – Strengthened its logistics and financial services
Toshiba Corporation – Pursued recovery in technology and energy
Advantest Corporation – Saw growth in semiconductor testing
Logitech Japan – Expanded within computer peripherals
Murata Manufacturing – Capitalized on sensor and electronic component demand
Dentsu Inc. – Enhanced its digital marketing strategies
Yamaha Corporation – Continued success in musical instruments and electronics
MediBang, Inc. – Innovated in digital content creation
SCSK Corporation – Advanced in IT solutions and services
Nippon Steel Corporation – Remained a key industrial player
Olympus Corporation – Pivoted strongly toward medical systems
Idemitsu Kosan – Benefited from energy market recovery
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation – Expanded in high-tech and energy solutions
Resona Holdings – Solidified its banking position
Chugai Pharmaceutical – Excelled in biopharma research
Otsuka Holdings – Diversified in health and nutrition sectors
Asahi Group Holdings – Leveraged beverage and food trends
🇨🇦 Canada: Top 50 Lockdown Stock Gainers during #Covid19
Shopify Inc. – Revolutionized e-commerce from its Canadian roots
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) – Led in robust banking performance
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) – Demonstrated financial resilience
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) – Expanded globally despite challenges
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) – Maintained strong financial fundamentals
Bank of Montreal (BMO) – Diversified into global banking opportunities
Enbridge Inc. – Benefited from energy infrastructure investments
Suncor Energy – Showcased resilience in energy markets
Canadian Natural Resources – Advanced in sustainable energy production
Brookfield Asset Management – Led in asset management growth
BCE Inc. – Strengthened its telecom infrastructure
Manulife Financial – Excelled in insurance and financial services
Nutrien Ltd. – Advanced agricultural and fertilizer technologies
Barrick Gold – Benefited from fluctuating commodity prices
Franco-Nevada Corporation – Excelled in royalty and mining investments
Magna International – Innovated in auto parts manufacturing
Waste Connections – Led in waste management and environmental services
Fortis Inc. – Advanced through regulated utility operations
TC Energy – Showed gains in energy transportation
Canadian Pacific Railway – Grew with improvements in freight logistics
Canadian National Railway – Dominated North American rail transportation
Loblaw Companies Limited – Flourished in retail and grocery sectors
Dollarama Inc. – Expanded in discount retail
Metro Inc. – Strengthened its supermarket chain presence
George Weston Limited – Advanced in food processing and retail
Empire Company Limited – Excelled with grocery chains
Rogers Communications – Innovated in telecommunications
TELUS Corporation – Embraced digital communications advancements
Shaw Communications – Maintained resilience in media and telecom
Open Text Corporation – Led in enterprise information management
Descartes Systems Group – Revolutionized logistics software solutions
Celestica Inc. – Advanced in electronics manufacturing services
Bombardier Inc. – Began its recovery in aerospace and transportation
CAE Inc. – Focused on simulation and training technologies
Saputo Inc. – Strengthened its dairy and food manufacturing
Maple Leaf Foods – Advanced in packaged food products
Imperial Oil Limited – Benefited from energy sector recovery
Pembina Pipeline Corporation – Played a role in energy transport
Value Chain Group – Rebounded with tech-enabled logistics
Gildan Activewear Inc. – Excelled in global apparel manufacturing
Great-West Lifeco – Advanced insurance and financial services
Onex Corporation – Built momentum in private equity investments
Lundin Mining Corporation – Benefited from commodity market shifts
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited – Showcased strength in gold mining
First Quantum Minerals – Capitalized on the metals market
Osisko Gold Royalties – Excelled as a gold royalty and streaming company
Fraser Milner Casgrain (FMC) – Advanced in professional financial services
Brookfield Renewable Partners – Pioneered investments in sustainable energy
Crescent Point Energy Corp. – Focused on oil and gas production
TransAlta Corporation – Advanced in power generation and renewable energy
Key Takeaways for Canada: – Financial services, energy, telecom, and innovative tech companies fueled growth during lockdowns. – As with other regions, diversification and a focus on future trends remain crucial.
Chapter 3: New Stock Trends in 2025 – What’s Next?
The biggest lesson from COVID-era stocks was that adaptability equals survival. Looking ahead, the next wave of winners will be companies that embrace:
✅ AI-driven automation
✅ Sustainable energy investments
✅ Healthcare innovation beyond vaccines (personalized medicine, mental health tech)
✅ E-commerce expansion in emerging markets
✅ Remote work technologies and digital finance innovations
Rather than betting on a single sector, investors now watch for long-term trends. The next big rally will favor those who understand these shifts over chasing short-term hype.
Chapter 4: Investing Smart During Market Volatility
Markets are never stable forever. Whether facing pandemic lockdowns, recession scares, or policy shifts, investors must be ready for unpredictable shocks. Here are some strategies to help navigate uncertainty:
📌 Best Strategies During Market Uncertainty
1️⃣ Diversification – Avoid putting all your funds in one basket
2️⃣ Long-term vision – Focus on companies with strong fundamentals
3️⃣ Avoid panic selling – Recognize that market crashes present buying opportunities
4️⃣ Follow economic policies – Interest rate changes and stimulus measures matter
5️⃣ Study historical recoveries – Past crises offer valuable lessons for today
Understanding market cycles and future trends makes a huge difference in long-term investment success.
Final Thoughts – How Investors Can Stay Ahead in 2025
The biggest winners during lockdowns were the companies that adapted quickly to rapidly changing global conditions. Moving forward, expect the next investment wave to center on:
✅ Tech & AI stocks – Leaders in digital transformation
✅ Healthcare innovation – From biotech breakthroughs to digital health diagnostics
✅ Sustainable energy companies – Growth driven by EVs and renewable energy
✅ E-commerce expansion – Global online retail continues to soar
✅ Financial technology (FinTech) – Digital transactions and decentralized finance innovations
Additional Emerging Digital Trends: Beyond traditional stocks, keep an eye on the digital frontier. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining legitimacy, with some analysts forecasting robust growth driven by increasing institutional adoption and market stabilization. Meanwhile, social platforms like TikTok,temu continue to revolutionize digital marketing and content creation—evolving into comprehensive ecosystems with e-commerce capabilities. These forces, along with emerging innovations in Web3 and decentralized finance, could reshape investment opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
💡 Key Takeaway for Investors: Invest not just for today, but for the future. Companies driving innovation and adaptability will lead in long-term market gains.
🚀 What’s your investment strategy for 2025? Drop your insights in the comments!
Again, in case, if you missed the previous disclaimer
✔️ This article is entirely based on publicly available online research (Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, etc.) ✔️ I do NOT promote any individual stocks or financial decisions—this content is purely informational. ✔️ Past performance does not guarantee future returns—always invest wisely!
There you have it—the ultimate lockdown stocks guide for 2025, designed to inform, inspire, and help you navigate the future of investing with clarity and confidence. Happy investing, and stay ahead of the game!
