Top 10 Stocks and ETFs Poised to Outperform in October 2025

By Editorial Team - October 02, 2025

With the Federal Reserve maintaining its rate-cutting trajectory into October 2025 amid heightened market volatility and sector rotation, opportunities are emerging in small caps, semiconductors/AI, value stocks, and gold miners as hedges. Based on recent analyses from Zacks, Morningstar, Yahoo Finance, and ETF experts, we've compiled a forward-looking list of 20 recommendations (10 stocks and 10 ETFs) expected to capitalize on these trends through the end of October and into Q4. Selections emphasize high-conviction picks with upward earnings revisions, undervaluation, and momentum in resilient sectors.

Top 10 Stocks and ETFs Poised to Outperform in October 2025

Below, we've incorporated recent performance data (YTD) for context on their trajectory.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch in October 2025

Drawing from recent expert analyses and market forecasts, these stocks are selected for their strong momentum, earnings potential, and sector tailwinds in areas like technology, commodities, consumer staples, and AI amid ongoing rate cuts and economic resilience.

These stocks have shown strong year-to-date performance in 2025, indicating potential to continue outperforming shortly:

1. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD)

+224% year-to-date with a 447% gain over 1 year; recent surge driven by S&P 500 inclusion and strong revenue growth. (TradingView)

Robinhood vs Palantir: Both are high-growth tech stocks that have delivered massive returns in 2025—Robinhood up ~421% (1Y) and Palantir up ~382% (1Y) —fueled by momentum in retail trading and AI/data analytics, respectively. However, traditional metrics like price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios reveal stark differences. Palantir trades at significantly higher multiples, suggesting it is more overvalued relative to current and forward earnings/sales, even accounting for its growth narrative. Analysts often describe Palantir's valuation as "insanely expensive" or "overhyped," while Robinhood's is elevated but more grounded in fintech recovery.

2. Newmont Corp. (NEM)

Gold mining leader benefiting from surging gold prices as a safe-haven asset; 99.9% YTD gain highlights momentum.
Recent Performance: YTD +99.9%, 1M +15.2%.

3. Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

+120 - 135% (YTD - October 2025 range) (TradingView)

4. Seagate Technology (STX)

Data storage firm riding AI data center demand; 94.0% YTD performance underscores growth.
Recent Performance: YTD +94.0%, 1M +8.7%.

5. GE Vernova (GEV)

Energy tech spin-off with renewable focus; 86.4% YTD driven by green energy transition.
Recent Performance: YTD +86.4%, 1M +10.5%.

6. Western Digital (WDC)

Storage solutions provider in AI boom; 78.3% YTD with strong forecasts.
Recent Performance: YTD +78.3%, 1M +7.3%.

7. General Electric (GE)

+65.0% (YTD)

8. CVS Health (CVS)

+63.0% (YTD)

9. NRG Energy (NRG)

+61.3% (YTD)

10. Micron Technology (MU)

Memory chip specialist in AI data centers; 50%+ EPS growth expected.
Recent Performance: YTD +62.3%, 1M +10.1%.

Top 10 ETFs to Watch in October 2025

These ETFs target high-growth areas like gold mining, crypto, technology, and sustainable themes, based on top-performing indices and expert picks for Q4 momentum.

These ETFs have delivered strong returns over recent months and 2025 year-to-date, spanning sectors like gold mining, uranium, defense, AI, and blockchain:

Ranking Methodology

YTD Performance: Based on reported or estimated returns for 2025 (as of October 2025). Higher returns rank higher.
AUM: Used as a tiebreaker or secondary factor, reflecting fund popularity and liquidity.
Data Sources: Where exact figures are unavailable, we’ve inferred performance based on sector trends (e.g., gold miners, semiconductors, defense) and historical context from the provided references.
Assumptions: For ETFs like EUAD and VIG, where 2025 YTD data is missing, we’ve used reported sector performance (e.g., defense up 73% YTD) or conservative estimates based on similar funds.

Ranked ETF Picks

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

YTD Performance: +90–135% (predicted range for October 2025) (TradingView)
Core gold miners index; updated data shows explosive growth on metal prices. Expense Ratio: 0.51%. Recent Performance: YTD +125.30%. 1M +10.9%.
AUM: ~$16.5B (estimated, based on historical size and 2025 inflows)
Rationale: Strong performance has been driven by rising gold prices and expanding miner profit margins. This fund tops the list not only based on its impressive returns but also due to its large assets under management (AUM), reflecting substantial investor interest. The heightened demand indicates that precious metals continue to be viewed as a reliable hedge against inflation in the current economic climate.
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is listed on both the NYSE Arca exchange (as GDX) and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) (as GDX.MX).
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: High
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (targeting continued gold rally into year-end amid economic uncertainty)

Note on GDX vs GDXJ: GDX offers exposure to large-cap gold mining companies, while GDXJ focuses on small-cap, junior gold miners, which are generally more volatile and potentially offer higher returns but also higher risk. GDX tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, whereas GDXJ follows the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, making GDXJ the more speculative choice for investors seeking higher leverage to the gold price.

2. Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD)

EUAD is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides targeted exposure to European companies involved in the aerospace and defense sectors. Launched on October 18, 2024, by Tuttle Capital Management, it tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index, which includes firms engaged in manufacturing, servicing, supplying, and distributing civil and military aerospace equipment, systems, technology, and defense services. The fund is non-diversified, focusing on a narrow set of industrials stocks (100% sector allocation), primarily headquartered in Europe. It holds about 15 securities, weighted by market cap, and is designed for investors seeking growth from rising European defense spending amid geopolitical tensions, NATO commitments, and rearmament efforts.
YTD Return: +92.47% (outperforming broader markets due to sector tailwinds). (TradingView)
1-Month Return: ~+15% (estimated from recent momentum in defense stocks; exact figure varies by source).
1-Year Return: +92.47% (since inception aligns closely with YTD).
AUM: ~$1.2B (significant inflows reported in 2025)
EUAD is poised for continued outperformance in Q4 2025, as Europe's defense sector enters a "super cycle" fueled by NATO pledges, EU rearmament initiatives, and rising global tensions. Pairing it with U.S.-focused defense ETFs like SHLD could provide balanced exposure. However, risks include geopolitical de-escalation, supply chain issues, or market volatility. It's suitable for growth-oriented portfolios but carries concentration risk due to its narrow focus.
Rationale: Exceptional YTD performance driven by rising European defense budgets and geopolitical tensions. Smaller AUM reflects its niche focus but doesn’t detract from its momentum.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 6 months (leveraging ongoing rearmament trends and sector momentum)

3. ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL)

Leveraged play on gold futures; amplifies gains in precious metals rally.
Expense Ratio: 0.95%.
Recent Performance: YTD +94.05%

4. Direxion Daily FTSE China Bull 3X Shares (YINN)

Triple-leveraged China exposure; benefits from stimulus and recovery bets.
Expense Ratio: 1.35%.
Recent Performance: YTD +93.73%.

4. iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING)

Broad gold miners focus with global diversification; strong safe-haven appeal.
Expense Ratio: 0.39%.
Recent Performance: YTD +71.7%. 1M +12.5%.

5. abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT)

Direct platinum exposure; industrial demand boosts performance.
Expense Ratio: 0.60%.
Recent Performance: YTD +68% (approximate from sector trends).

6. Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

YTD Performance: +54% (reported for 2025)
AUM: ~$1.2B (estimated, based on historical data and sector growth)
Rationale: Silver miners benefit from industrial and precious metal demand, but lower AUM and slightly weaker performance than GDX place it third.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: High
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (capitalizing on silver supply deficits and industrial demand surge)

7. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

YTD Performance: ~ +30–36% (reported range for 2025) (estimated, based on 24.1% annualized 10-year return and 2025 AI/tech strength)
AUM: ~$22B (estimated, based on historical growth and semiconductor demand)
Rationale: Strong AI-driven growth, with a 24.1% average annualized return over the past decade. Large AUM reflects investor confidence in semiconductors. (fool.com)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 6 months (positioning for recovery from recent selloffs and long-term AI growth)

8. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

YTD Performance: +46% (reported range for Oct 2025)
AUM: ~$30B (estimated, based on historical size and gold’s safe-haven appeal)
Rationale: Lower returns than gold miners but offers stability as a physical gold ETF. Significant AUM reflects its popularity as a hedge. (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (serving as a safe-haven hedge amid ongoing market volatility)

9. iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

YTD Performance: +20-25% (reported range for Oct 2025)
AUM: $83.78 B
iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Spot Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock is the largest spot Bitcoin ETF with a low expense ratio of 0.25%.
Its large AUM and institutional backing position it as the dominant player in the spot Bitcoin ETF market.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy now (or on any dip to $107,000–$108,000) and hold for 3–4 weeks, targeting $118,000–$125,000 by end of October.

10. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

YTD Performance: +17% (reported for 2025, compared to VOO’s 20%)
AUM: $248.36B (as of October 2025)
Rationale: Outperforms broader markets due to tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 exposure. Massive AUM makes it a top choice for growth investors. (fool.com)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (benefiting from Nasdaq bull market and tech sector rebound)

Market Outlook Drivers

Robinhood's strong 2025 momentum is fueled by its expanding user base, a 59.4% revenue growth rate, and inclusion in the S&P 500, driving investor confidence. It reported 26.5 million funded customers and a robust Q2 earnings beat.
Continued momentum in AI-related earnings is elevating technology stocks.
Small-cap and value stocks remain attractive but undervalued, presenting opportunity.
Gold and uranium-related ETFs benefit from supply-demand dynamics.
Defense and blockchain ETFs remain favored for growth potential amid geopolitical and digital transformation themes.

This curated mix of high-growth stocks like Robinhood and diversified thematic ETFs provides balanced exposure to sectors poised for outperformance in October 2025.

Disclaimer

This is not financial advice. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Consult a financial advisor and conduct your own research before investing.
The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial or investment advice. The revenue figures, company rankings, and projections are based on publicly available data, company reports, and industry estimates as of 2025. All currency conversions, where applicable, are based on annual average exchange rates.

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, One Day Advisor and the article’s authors do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any particular purpose. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently and consult qualified professionals before making any business, investment, or healthcare decisions based on the information provided.

The article may reference ongoing developments, regulatory actions, or market events that are subject to change. One Day Advisor is not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.

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