New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- 2025 was not a memorable year for the Indian stock market bulls when compared with the sharp gains seen across broader Asian peers, as bouts of volatility hit domestically-focused stocks. Market sentiment was weighed down by tariff worries, currency pressures, and sustained outflows from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), making Indian equities the worst underperformer in Asia in nearly three decades.

However, select pockets delivered returns well above the Nifty 50's surge of 10.6% in 2025, supported by improving fundamentals, policy tailwinds, and sector-specific demand. This underscored investors' increasingly selective approach during a challenging period.

Overall, five sectors, Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Metal, Nif...