As we get closer to the end of 2025, it's looking very likely that it will be the third year in a row with gains for the S&P 500. The last time there were four years in a row with positive market gains ended in 2007. However, there have been several times during the market's history when the market had four or more years of gains, so there's no reason to fret about what might happen in 2026. There are so many variables that affect how the market moves, and even if four consecutive years of gains hasn't happened in a while, it doesn't mean it won't happen now.
Given that, there are definitely indications that the market could be overvalued, which is a setup for some kind of correction. If you're invested for the long term, that shouldn't scare you off. It's an inevitable part of market dynamics, and if it doesn't happen in 2026, it's going to happen at a later date.
The good news is, over time, excellent growth stocks drive market gains and outperform. They also tend to fall harder when there's a dip or a crash, but if you don't panic sell, they can climb back up and reward you over time.
If you're looking for some top choices, SoFi Technologies (SOFI +1.26%), Dutch Bros (BROS 1.13%), and Global-e Online (GLBE +0.74%) are three excellent candidates.
Image source: SoFi.
1. SoFi: The new way to bank
SoFi is an all-digital bank that's taking the country by storm, adding new customers at a rapid pace and presenting a new way to bank.
Its easy-to-use app has a large assortment of financial management tools, and the company aims to be a one-stop shop for today's younger generation. It targets students and young professionals, people who are engaging with the banking industry for the first time and looking for quick and simple solutions. SoFi offers high rates on savings accounts and innovative services that appeal to this clientele.
It's catching on, and SoFi added a record 905,000 new customers in the third quarter, breaking the previous record from Q2. Adjusted net revenue increased 38% over last year, an acceleration, and growth is coming from all of the bank's three segments: lending, which is its core product; financial services, which are all non-lending products; and tech platform, a business-to-business financial infrastructure provider.
NASDAQ: SOFI
Key Data Points
As the largest segment, lending is an important piece of the whole, and loan originations increased 57% over last year to a record $9.9 billion. The gain was the result of lower interest rates and better credit metrics.
But the real star for SoFi is the financial services segment. Revenue increased 76%, and contribution profit was up 129%. These are mostly low-cost, fee-based products, and SoFi's expanded platform is resulting in more cross-sales and higher engagement.
This is the recipe for future growth, and SoFi still has a long runway.
2. Dutch Bros: The better way to get coffee
Dutch Bros offers great coffee and friendly customer service throughout its network of more than 1,000 stores, and it's expanding quickly.
Customers are loving it, and revenue growth is coming from same-shop sales growth, not just new stores. Total revenue increased 25% year over year in Q3, driven by 38 new stores and a 5.7% increase in same-store sales.
NYSE: BROS
Key Data Points
Management has a deliberate approach to new store openings, and it's expanding its portfolio of mostly drive-thru locations with walk-up windows and some dining areas. It's highly focused on speed, and it only recently rolled out mobile ordering to up its game. Its goal is to open new stores with the same rigorous culture message that has made its stores so successful so far, and it's in the process of identifying new locations to make its accelerated store opening plan work out.
It ended Q3 with 1,081 locations, and it's planning to open at least 175 stores in 2026, up from an estimated 160 total this year. Management is eyeing 2,029 stores by 2029, and it sees the opportunity for 7,000 during the next several years.
Dutch Bros has a winning model, and it should be a standout stock for many years.
3. Global-e: Opportunities in e-commerce
Global-e operates a cross-border e-commerce platform that makes it easy for retailers to sell worldwide. It easily integrates into an e-commerce website and offers tools like instant customs calculations, different shipping options, and 100 currencies.
Many of today's top brands are already working with Global-e, but it has a solid pipeline of new clients, as well as expanding partnerships with many of its high-profile customers. For example, it added StadiumGoods and Life360 in Q2, plus it expanded its deals with Bang & Olufsen, Onitsuka Tiger, and Diesel.
NASDAQ: GLBE
Key Data Points
Gross merchandise volume increased 34% year over year in the quarter, and revenue rose 28%. Plus, it reported its first-ever generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) profit, which it expects to sustain.
As the company rolls out new products and adds new clients, it has years of growth ahead, and now is a great time to buy.
