Rising over 13% in 2024, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged the S&P 500, which soared 23%. But the diversity among the performances of the individual Dow Jones stocks was considerable.
While Boeing dragged the index down last year, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) took up the slack and was the best-performing Dow Jones stock of 2024. Let's take a look at the other names that rounded out the top-performing Dow Jones stocks.
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1. Nvidia (up 171%)
From consistently surpassing analysts' expectations when it reported quarterly financial results to proclaiming that it continues to benefit from enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), Nvidia -- a new addition to the Dow Jones -- provided investors with plenty to get excited about last year.
2. Walmart (up 72%)
Walmart (NYSE: WMT) management had recognized the importance of expanding its e-commerce business to remain competitive, and its initiatives showed success in 2024 -- highlighted in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, ended Oct. 25, 2024, when the company reported comparable sales growth of 22% and 43% for U.S. and international businesses, respectively.
3. American Express (up 58%)
Apple may be the largest holding in the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, but American Express (NYSE: AXP) holds a prominent spot as the second-largest position. While Warren Buffett sold other financial stocks in 2024, he remained committed to American Express, a financial stalwart that provided investors with plenty of reasons to click the buy button last year.
4. Goldman Sachs (up 48%)
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) achieved consistent year-over-year earnings-per-share growth when it reported quarterly financial results last year, one of many reasons why investors chose to buy the banking stock.
5. Amazon (up 44%)
Failing to match its 167% gain in 2023, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) stock still rose notably last year as investors chose it for its prominent position in AI as well as its commanding e-commerce presence.
Should you buy these Dow Jones darlings now?
While the top-performing Dow Jones stocks of 2024 are worthy of serious consideration, potential investors should certainly perform their due diligence to ensure that the stocks match their individual investing goals.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
- Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $387,474!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of January 6, 2025
John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Goldman Sachs Group, Nvidia, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
