By Saurabh Gupta

In 2025, sector-specific and thematic investments outperformed benchmark indices like Sensex and Nifty, which saw gains of 4.5% and 5.6% respectively. Several NSE indices, including Defence, Capital Markets, Auto, Bank, Metal, and India Consumption, surged between 7% and 19%. While most indices showed a mix of performers, the Nifty IT index lagged, contrasting with the Nifty Bank index’s strong performance.

Investors who focused on specific sectors and themes have fared better than those who bet on benchmark indices in 2025, which has been a rollercoaster year for the stock market.

The benchmarks Sensex and Nifty moved up 4.5% and 5.6%, respectively, this year, while NSE Defence, Capital Markets, Auto, Bank, Metal, and India Consumption indices gained between 7% and 19% in 2025.
Out of the 13 sectoral and thematic indices used in the study, seven have advanced and six have declined this year. While most of the indices saw a mix of outperformers and laggards, Nifty’s IT index only had laggards.