Every serious investor eventually learns one name — the S&P 500, also known by its trading symbol SPX. It’s the heartbeat of the U.S. stock market, tracking the 500 largest and most influential American companies. When people say “the market is up,” they often mean the S&P 500 is rising.
In 2025, the index has been a classroom in itself — filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and smart positioning. Despite global uncertainty, inflation worries, and political noise, several US companies have delivered extraordinary gains.
For beginners in Zimbabwe who are curious about global investing, the S&P 500 is more than just a number — it’s a window into how great companies grow, and a mirror that reflects lessons for anyone, anywhere, trying to build wealth patiently and intelligently.
Let’s unpack what made this year’s top performers stand out, and how their lessons can inspire simple, practical strategies for Zimbabwean investors. Remember this is not financial advice.
The year 2025 has been a strong year for several standout companies. These stocks didn’t just rise — they soared, showing what’s possible when innovation meets discipline:
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) — Up 150% this year as of time of writing on October 28. The data-analytics powerhouse benefited from the global boom in artificial intelligence (AI). Governments and Fortune 500 firms rely on Palantir’s platforms to make better, data-driven decisions. Its success reminds investors to follow technological trends, not hype.
Newmont Corporation (NEM) — Up 105% at time of writing. As a global gold-mining leader, Newmont surged alongside precious-metal prices, driven by inflation hedging and geopolitical tension. It shows that even when tech dominates headlines, traditional sectors like mining can still shine.
Seagate Technology (STX) and Western Digital (WDC) — Up 158% and 165%, respectively. Both make the digital storage equipment that fuels the AI revolution. When the world needs more data processing, these quiet suppliers become hidden winners.
These numbers are more than impressive statistics — they are lessons in patience, trend recognition, and diversification.
For Zimbabwean investors, the S&P 500 provides both inspiration and a playbook. Here are five timeless lessons from this year’s winners:
Diversification works
Don’t concentrate all your savings in one sector. Notice how these companies come from tech, mining, energy, and healthcare. In any market, spreading risk keeps you in the game when one area falters.Follow long-term trends, not headlines. Each of these stocks benefited from multi-year themes — AI growth, renewable energy, and inflation-driven demand for gold. Short-term news causes noise, but real profits come from identifying sustainable trends.
Defensive holdings matter
When uncertainty strikes, essential businesses like healthcare or consumer staples help protect portfolios.
Adapt smart strategies
Techniques such as covered calls and cash-secured puts allow investors to earn income from stocks they already own or wish to buy. Streetwise Economics often emphasises these as safe, high-probability tools for consistent returns.
Think local, learn globally
Zimbabwe has its own opportunities — from mining to agriculture to tourism. Learning from the US market’s resource players (like Newmont) can inspire investors to back local value creators with global discipline.
Learning from Wall Street’s winners
The common thread among these companies is clarity of focus. They operate where demand is strong, costs are managed, and innovation never stops.
A beginner’s takeaway:
Choose companies that serve real, growing needs.
Watch which industries attract consistent capital flows.
And remember — boring can be beautiful. Reliable, dividend-paying companies often outperform flashy growth names in the long run.
The S&P 500’s top performers didn’t gamble; they executed. That same mindset can help any investor — in Harare, Bulawayo, or Toronto — build wealth gradually and sustainably.
Lessons from the experts: A chat with Bruce Campbell
In a recent Streetwise Economics podcast, veteran investor Bruce Campbell (who has managed over CAD 5 billion) offered practical advice on thriving in dynamic markets. You can listen to the full discussion here: https://tinyurl.com/5defeyy7.
Campbell emphasised four timeless principles:
Stay flexible. Markets change direction fast. His approach involves tracking sector strength and rotating investments accordingly — a lesson Zimbabwean investors can apply between mining, retail, and banking stocks.
Follow earnings. Profits drive prices. Investors who focus on companies improving their earnings will almost always outperform those chasing stories.
Watch central banks. In 2025, U.S. rate cuts boosted equity sentiment. Similarly, monitoring Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe or South African Reserve Bank policy shifts helps local investors anticipate opportunities.
Manage risk. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” Campbell said. Even simple stop-loss orders or spreading investments across sectors can preserve capital.
For beginners, these aren’t complex formulas — they’re guardrails for longevity in the market.
Practical steps for Zimbabwean investors
Start small but stay consistent.
You don’t need millions to begin. Even with modest amounts, regular contributions build momentum.
Use technology.
Online brokerages and global platforms allow access to regional and international stocks.
Invest in knowledge.
The most valuable capital is financial literacy. Understand your instruments before putting money down.
Seek mentorship.
Just as I consult accountability partners in trading, new investors should find mentors or communities who share ideas and discipline.
Stay the course.
Markets will fluctuate, but patience and preparation win over time.
Join the Streetwise community
At Streetwise Economics, our mission is to make investing understandable for everyday people. We teach practical tools — from long-term investing to options strategies — for those who want to take control of their financial futures.
Visit www.streetwiseeconomics.com to explore coaching programs and upcoming workshops.
Subscribe to Streetwise Economics on YouTube for weekly updates on markets, investing psychology, and interviews with industry experts like Bruce Campbell.
Whether you’re in Harare, Toronto, or Johannesburg, the same principles apply: learn, plan, and execute with discipline.
The S&P 500 is more than a U.S. index — it’s a global classroom. Each stock tells a story about innovation, risk, and resilience.
For Zimbabwean investors, watching the SPX offers perspective. When Palantir rides the AI wave, or Newmont profits from gold’s rise, it reminds us that opportunity often hides in plain sight. The real key is preparation.
Success in investing doesn’t come from guessing the next hot stock — it comes from understanding why certain businesses thrive and applying those lessons consistently.
Start simple. Stay patient. Learn daily.
Because in the markets — just like in life — clarity is your greatest edge. As usual, trade and invest wisely and may the markets be on your side.See you in the markets.
- Isaac Jonas is an economist based in Canada and principal consultant at Streetwise Economics. He is also a retail investor, retail trader and content creator, focusing mainly on the US and Canadian capital markets. He regularly shares insights via his social media handles and YouTube Channel (Streetwise Economics). His website is www.streetwiseeconomics.com and can be reachable on [email protected]. Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only—not investment advice. Markets are personal; what works for me might not for you. Consult a financial advisor before acting. Let’s keep learning and adapting—together.
