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6 investment macro trends for 2025


Predicting the future is always an impossible exercise, but it is a useful one for learning and for the strategies that will be defined and adapted as history unfolds. The year 2025 will be no different and will have its fair share of unpredictability. After all, in recent months we’ve witnessed the rise of artificial intelligence, Donald Trump’s return to lead the world’s largest economy and even a new generation o robots, courtesy of Elon Musk, which promise to be the perfect "cocktail”.
Nevertheless, this exercise in analysis and forecasting is essential. We can see this in the forecasts of the major investment companies, which try to anticipate trends and position themselves accordingly.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Warren Buffett, George Soros or Bill Gates you need to take the time to analyse your investments and try to anticipate what’s going to happen in the financial markets – an exercise made much easier by the insights of our experts. This year, we’ve identified 6 trends that will shape 2025 and that all investors should follow.
1. Will there be (even) more Artificial Intelligence?
Source: S&P
Unsurprisingly, the evidence suggests that by 2025 we will be (even more) surrounded by artificial intelligence in virtually every aspect of our lives, from corporate chatbots to recommendation systems that anticipate our preferences before we even know what we want.
However, as the technology matures, many investors are beginning to focus on companies that not only promise transformation, but also demonstrate tangible, concrete results. Microsoft, Nvidia and Salesforce are examples of companies that are already effectively monetising this trend. As the race for leadership accelerates, the gap between the winners and losers is likely to widen. This may culminate in the consolidation or disappearance of companies that cannot keep up with the pace and investment capacity of the tech giants.
Why it matters: Artificial intelligence aims to make processes quicker, more efficient and more cost-effective. Businesses are using this technology to make smarter decisions and gain a competitive edge, and data goes hand in hand with this trend.
What to do: Explore investing in technology companies that have mastered artificial intelligence, either by investing directly in shares or through ETFs or investment funds. In addition to giants such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta and Apple, you can also consider startups that are developing innovative solutions, but which therefore require more research into the company and its business before investing. Artificial intelligence is a game-changer in fields such as healthcare and commerce, and the opportunities are endless.
2. Will we see the return of ESG investing?
Source: Morningstar
Clearly, the ESG movement (environmental, social and governance) will still be relevant in 2025, with investors looking for companies that can demonstrate a positive environmental and social footprint while maintaining good corporate governance. However, several fund managers are rethinking their previous enthusiasm following the underperformance at the end of 2024.
By 2025, investors will be even more demanding, especially when it comes to looking for concrete and measurable results from ESG funds and investments. The pressure to demonstrate real impact will increase, driving out companies that use ESG as a marketing or greenwashing strategy. As this happens, we will see greater appreciation of companies and funds that not only adopt responsible practices, but also use clear metrics to demonstrate the financial return on investment and the positive impact of their projects. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that global ESG assets could reach $40 trillion by 2030 2030, underscoring the importance of this trend.
Why it matters: Investors, like consumers, want to ensure that their money is invested ethically. As well as doing good, companies with good ESG practices tend to be more resilient and deliver higher long-term returns. After all, a healthier planet contributes to a more stable market.
What to do: Invest in companies with a strong commitment to sustainability or in funds that specialise in responsible practices. Schroder Global Climate Change, BlackRock Sustainable Energy and Schroder Global Energy Transition are some of the funds that can make your portfolio more sustainable. These funds are highlighted on the Thematic Investment Funds- Sustainability page, which shows how investment solutions exist that contribute to a more balanced and responsible future, in line with the global trends of change.
3. Will cryptoassets stabilise in 2025?
Portugal stands out for its adoption of cryptoassets, with a rate higher than the European Union average. According to a Eurobarometer survey conducted in 2023, 12% of respondentes in Portugal have already had contact with cryptocurrencies, compared to an average of 8% in EU countries. These figures reflect a growing market driven by curiosity and optimism about the future of digital currencies.
Despite the rising value and popularity of cryptocurrencies ,they continue to navigate in choppy waters. The volatility of prices and the doubts as to when (or if) they will enter the mainstream have left investors in a kind of "financial limbo”. Investors in 2025 will need to carefully weigh up the risks and opportunities. While the upside potential is high, the risks are also high, as the market still lacks clear regulation and wider adoption to move beyond the status of "technological promise”. Investing in cryptocurrency in 2025 will be less a matter of "riding the wave” than of "swimming in the unpredictable tides” of this market.
Source: Blockchain.com
Why it matters: Blockchain technology offers a more secure, transparent and efficient way to conduct transactions, and more and more industries are set to take advantage of this potential. What’s more, the cryptocurrency space will continue to grow as governments consider issuing digital currencies. These innovations are shaping the future of global finance, creating new opportunities and challenges.
What to do: Evaluate any investment in this market with caution, given the volatility and inherent risks. Through Banco Carregosa you can gain Bitcoin and Ethereum by combining them with the dollar, euro and Japanese yen through Forex trading.
4. Will we see digital health become mainstream?
Technology is transforming the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals, from one-click online consultations to devices that monitor health in real time. In 2025, this trend promises not only to grow, but also to open new doors for personalisation and accessibility in healthcare.
Source: Statista
However, this is an area where optimism needs to be balanced with careful analysis. The opportunities for investors are immense, but not without risk and uncertainty. The high cost of technological development, the need for strict regulation and concerns about data protection are major challenges. In addition, the sector faces intense competition and constant innovation, which means that not all companies will be able to thrive. For investors, 2025 will be the year to choose wisely: bet on solutions that deliver real results and can be successfully scaled up, and avoid futuristic promises that may never get off the ground. Digital health is a game changer - the question is: who will be at the forefront and who will be left behind?
Why it matters: With an ageing population and an increase in demand for personalised care, digital health solutions are on the rise.
What to do: If you want to invest in a sector with a lot of potential, look at companies in the biotech, digital health and medical device sectors. Both big pharma and innovative startups are developing products that will save lives and become good businesses in the process. Specialist healthcare and biotech funds can also be a good way to gain exposure to the sector.
5. Will the focus next year be on sustainable infrastructure?
Approximately 75% of the necessary infrastructure remains to be built, representing a huge potential for growth in a number of areas. This momentum goes hand in hand with the predicted growth of the global green infrastructure industry. From low-emission public transport networks to energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy solutions, green infrastructure promises to reshape the future of urban and industrial development.
However, this optimistic scenario should be viewed with some caution. Building green infrastructure requires huge investments and poses logistical challenges, from relying on sustainable materials to complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. What’s more, not all regions or markets will be able to keep up with the pace of change, which could exacerbate economic disparities and create barriers to global implementation. The challenge for investors will be to identify projects and markets that can deliver real and sustainable results, balancing vision with pragmatism.
Why it matters: Investing in this sector could be a way to gain exposure to the infrastructure sector at a time when global economic growth remains on track for 2025, while also considering projects that address environmental pressures and new climate requirements.
What to do: Look for companies that are leading the transition to greener infrastructure, whether in transport network construction, renewable energy or energy efficiency solutions. You can invest directly by buying shares in companies involved in this activity, or indirectly by investing in instruments such as investment funds linked to areas such as renewable energy, resource efficiency and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
6. New opportunities for emerging markets?
Fonte: International Monetary Fund
Emerging markets continue to be fertile ground for investors seeking growth, particularly in sectors such as technology, clean energy, infrastructure and consumption. Countries such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam and some African countries are experiencing robust growth, driven by young populations, accelerating urbanisation and rising purchasing power.
India, for example, is consolidating its position as a key player in the energy transition with ambitious solar energy and green hydrogen projects, while Vietnam is attracting more and more global factories thanks to its central role in Asian supply chains. Nigeria, on the other hand, has a rapidly growing fintech market serving millions of people who previously had no access to traditional financial services.
However, the potential of these economies comes with risks. Returns can be affected by currency fluctuations, political instability and structural challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure and unpredictable regulation. Success in emerging markets therefore requires careful analysis, strategic diversification and a long-term vision to identify markets and sectors with a solid foundation for growth.
Why it matters: By 2025, many emerging markets will be growing at an accelerated pace, with a growing middle class and increasing demand for products and services. Entering these markets now can mean significant returns in the medium and long term.
What to do: A good way to gain exposure is to invest in equities or bonds focused on these markets, or in companies with a strong presence in these regions.
Investments can be made in a variety of ways, from trading ETFs to investment funds such as the Schroder ISF Global Emerging Market Opportunities Fund, the Schroder ISF Frontier Markets Fund, or the BlackRock Global Funds - Emerging Markets Bond Fund, among others.
Banco Carregosa, expert advice on investment trends for 2025
The investment trends for 2025 are vast. This can lead to some uncertainty about which direction to take. If you need expert advice on which funds are best suited to your investment objectives, contact the expert team at Banco Carregosa and benefit from the right advice to help you protect and grow your wealth.