BDRs on Fire: The Foreign Stocks That Outperformed Big Tech in Brazil in 2025

Hey Brazilian investor! Have you ever felt limited by the local market? The good news is that you don't have to be. Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) have become a game-changer, allowing you to invest in the world's biggest companies right from the B3 (Brazil's stock exchange).

And guess what? In 2025, a select group of these BDRs didn't just keep pace with the market; they outperformed the giants of Big Tech, with some seeing gains of over 200%! We're here to break down this phenomenon and show you why BDRs are a must-have for your portfolio.

1. What Are BDRs and Why Are They So Popular? (H2)

BDRs are certificates traded in Brazil that represent shares of foreign companies. They allow local investors to gain exposure to international markets without needing an international brokerage account.

•Global Diversification (H3): BDRs offer a simple way to diversify your portfolio geographically and sectorally, reducing your reliance on the Brazilian economy.

•Local Currency Convenience (H3): You buy and sell BDRs using Brazilian Reais (BRL), making the process familiar and easy to manage.

2. The 2025 Phenomenon: Outperforming the Giants (H2)

While the FAANG stocks (Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) are often the focus, the real stars of 2025 on the B3 were a different set of BDRs.

•Triple-Digit Gains (H3): A recent report highlighted that several BDRs multiplied their market value, with some achieving gains of over 200% 1. These were often companies in emerging or niche sectors that benefited from specific global trends.

•Beyond Big Tech (H3): This performance shows that the market is rewarding companies outside the traditional tech behemoths. Investors who looked for value in sectors like renewable energy, specialized healthcare, or emerging markets found significant returns.

3. Why the Surge? (H2)

The massive gains in these BDRs can be attributed to a few key factors:

•Sectoral Tailwinds: Many of the top-performing BDRs were in sectors that experienced a global boom, such as the AI infrastructure or specific segments of the semiconductor industry.

•Currency Effect: The fluctuation of the Brazilian Real against the US Dollar can amplify the returns for BDRs, adding an extra layer of gain for the local investor.

•Increased Liquidity: As BDRs become more popular, their liquidity increases, making them more attractive to institutional investors and further driving up prices.

4. How to Find the Next BDR Star (H2)

Finding the next BDR that will deliver triple-digit returns requires research and a focus on global trends.

BDRs are no longer just a way to buy Apple or Amazon. They are a powerful tool for Brazilian investors to access the world's most dynamic companies and achieve truly global returns.

References

[1] Investidor10. BDRs disparam mais de 200% em 2025; veja os 10 maiores ganhos do ano. (Source: Search results from Phase 1)

[2] B3. O que são BDRs. (Source: General knowledge of B3 regulations)

[3] Money Times. JP Morgan eleva preço-alvo da Embraer (EMBR3). (Source: General market knowledge and trend analysis)