Stock market 2024: The year’s stock winners and losers
The stock market in 2024 painted a vivid picture of extremes. While a handful of companies soared to dazzling heights, delivering record-breaking gains, others faltered, their value eroded in a challenging economic landscape.
A recent IBD analysis reveals that eight S&P 500 companies drove over $6 trillion in market value, accounting for more than half of this year’s $11.8 trillion index gain. Giants like Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Walmart were the heroes of 2024, while others like Intel, Nike, Boeing, and Moderna struggled to stay afloat.
Here’s a closer look at the winners and losers that defined the year.
Stock market winners of 2024
Nvidia stock 2024: The AI frontrunner
No stock better encapsulates 2024’s market success than Nvidia. Riding the AI boom, Nvidia’s stock surged 180%, adding an eye-popping $2.3 trillion in market value. To put this into perspective, Nvidia alone accounted for 20% of the S&P 500’s total gains this year- an achievement unmatched by any other company.
With a stellar Relative Strength (RS) Rating of 96, Nvidia’s growth trajectory remains compelling. Analysts project its profit to climb nearly $300b in 2024 and a further 127% in 2025, solidifying its dominance in the AI semiconductor space.
Amazon stock 2024: An e-commerce powerhouse
Amazon took the runner-up spot, delivering a 50% stock gain in 2024 and adding $753 billion in market value. The e-commerce and cloud computing titan contributed 6.4% of the S&P 500’s total gains. Analysts forecast profit growth of 77% this year and another 21% in 2025, further cementing Amazon’s status as a cornerstone of the modern economy.
Apple stock 2024: Driving innovation and revenue
Apple’s 33% stock gain in 2024 showcased the company’s continued ability to innovate and deliver value. Strong iPhone sales and services revenue drove its performance, with Q4 earnings beating expectations at $1.64 per share, a 12% year-over-year increase. Revenue reached $94.93 billion. The iPhone 16, featuring AI-powered innovations, signals strong momentum for further growth.
Walmart stock 2024: A resilient retail story
Proving that retail isn’t dead, Walmart surprised investors by soaring 78% this year, adding $342 billion in market value and accounting for roughly 3% of the S&P 500’s total gains. With a CS Rating of 91 and robust profit growth expected in fiscal 2025 and 2026, Walmart demonstrated that traditional retail can thrive in a tech-driven world.
The Stock market losers of 2024
While some stocks soared, other stocks fell, dragging down the market's overall momentum. Ten companies, including Intel, Nike, Boeing, and Moderna shed a combined $383.2 billion in value this year, underscoring the volatility and challenges some sectors faced.
Intel stock 2024: Missing the AI wave
At the top of the loser’s list is Intel, whose market value plummeted by $117.1 billion, marking a 58% drop in its stock price. Struggling to capitalize on the AI boom, Intel’s performance was the antithesis of Nvidia’s meteoric rise. With a dismal RS Rating of 12 and a forecasted profit decline of 112%, Intel’s challenges reflect a broader struggle to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving semiconductor market.
Nike stock 2024: Losing ground to rivals
Nike saw its value shrink by $48.5 billion this year, with shares falling 28%. This decline highlights a shift in consumer preferences toward competitors like Deckers and On Holding. With an RS Rating of 15 compared to On Holding’s 94, Nike struggled to regain its footing in a competitive landscape.
Boeing stock 2024: Struggles continued in 2024
Despite its dominance in aerospace, Boeing’s woes persisted in 2024, with shares tumbling 35% and wiping out $39.4 billion in market value. Plagued by a bloated cost structure and persistent quality control issues, Boeing faced a forecasted profit decline of 176%, further eroding investor confidence.
Moderna stock 2024: Post-pandemic pain
Moderna’s 63% drop this year reflects the challenges biotech firms face in a post-pandemic world. Once a hero of the COVID-19 vaccine race, Moderna hit a 52-week low of $41.52 amid concerns over vaccine demand sustainability and high cash burn. Despite advancing its mRNA technology and gaining regulatory approvals for its RSV vaccine, the company struggled to regain momentum. Analysts’ revised price targets signal lingering uncertainty about its future growth.
A year of contrasts for stocks
2024 was a year defined by extremes. The staggering gains of Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Walmart stood in stark contrast to the sharp declines of Intel, Nike, Boeing, and Moderna. These polarising performances highlight the importance of adaptability, innovation, and execution in navigating an ever-changing market. You can monitor the winners for what’s left of 2024, and into 2025 with a Deriv MT5 account. Log in now to take advantage of the indicators, or sign up for a free demo account.
Disclaimer:
This information is considered accurate and correct at the date of publication.
Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.
The performance figures quoted refer to the past, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance or a reliable guide to future performance.
The performance figures quoted are only estimates and may not be a reliable indicator of future performance. We recommend you do your own research before making any trading decisions.
The information contained within this blog article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial or investment advice.