The best and worst stocks of 2024 on the US stock market
A comprehensive analysis of the US stock market's top gainers and biggest losers
2024 was a year of significant fluctuations in the US stock market, with some stocks skyrocketing and others plummeting. In this article, we will analyze the market’s main highlights, highlighting the best and worst performing stocks of the year.
The Stars of 2024: The Stocks That Shone Brightest
This year, sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and healthcare led the rally. Some companies, driven by innovation and solid results, saw their stocks soar.
- Tech Giants: Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet continued to dominate the market, driven by the growing demand for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and mobile devices.
- Renewable Energy: With growing awareness of environmental issues, companies in the renewable energy sector, such as solar panel manufacturers and electric vehicle makers, had an exceptional year.
- Booming Sectors: The pharmaceutical industry, driven by the development of new therapies, and the e-commerce sector, benefiting from changing consumer habits, also performed well.
Top 10 Performing Stocks in 2024
| Rank | Company | Sector | Percentage Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla | Renewable Energy | 150% |
| 2 | Nvidia | Technology | 120% |
| 3 | Apple | Technology | 80% |
| 4 | Moderna | Healthcare | 75% |
| 5 | Amazon | Technology | 70% |
| 6 | Microsoft | Technology | 65% |
| 7 | NextEra Energy | Renewable Energy | 60% |
| 8 | Alphabet (Google) | Technology | 55% |
| 9 | PayPal | Fintech | 50% |
| 10 | Roche | Healthcare | 45% |
The Stocks That Disappointed in 2024
Not all companies had a positive year. Some sectors, such as traditional retail and oil, faced challenges and saw their stocks decline.
- Traditional Retail: With the rise of e-commerce, many brick-and-mortar retailers struggled to adapt to the new realities of the market.
- Oil Sector: Volatility in oil prices and growing concerns about climate change negatively impacted companies in the sector.
- Other Industries: Some more specific sectors, such as air travel and cruises, were hit hard by the pandemic and are still seeking to recover.
Bottom 10 Performing Stocks in 2024
| Rank | Company | Sector | Percentage Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boeing | Aerospace | -30% |
| 2 | Exxon Mobil | Oil & Gas | -25% |
| 3 | Macy’s | Retail | -20% |
| 4 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Travel & Leisure | -18% |
| 5 | Ford | Automotive | -15% |
| 6 | Chevron | Oil & Gas | -12% |
| 7 | Gap | Retail | -10% |
| 8 | Las Vegas Sands | Gaming | -9% |
| 9 | AMC Entertainment | Entertainment | -8% |
| 10 | General Motors | Automotive | -7% |
Factors Influencing Stock Performance in 2024
Several internal and external factors influenced stock performance in 2024. Among the main ones, we can mention:
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic continued to impact the global economy and consumer habits, affecting various sectors.
- War in Ukraine: The conflict in Ukraine created market uncertainty and affected commodity prices.
- Monetary Policy: Central bank decisions, such as interest rate hikes, influenced the cost of capital and investor risk appetite.
- Technological Innovation: Technological advances, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, drove the valuation of some companies and sectors.
What to Expect in 2025?
Predicting the future of the market is always a challenge. However, some analysts point to a scenario of moderate growth for the US stock market in 2025. The global economic recovery, the advancement of COVID-19 vaccination, and continued technological innovation are factors that could boost the market.
The stock market is dynamic and subject to constant change. When investing in stocks, it is essential to conduct careful analysis and diversify your portfolio. This article presented an overview of the performance of US stocks in 2024 but should not be used as the sole source of information for decision-making.
