Top 20 US Stocks that performed well in 2024 and are still worth investing in

For October 2024, here are some of the best-performing US stocks, selected based on their year-to-date (YTD) return on investment (ROI), sector, and their performance from January 1 to October 18, 2024. These stocks are showing strength across a variety of sectors. Also, they are offering both growth and stability, making them potentially great additions to a diversified portfolio.

Below is the table in HTML format for easy viewing.

Here’s a table with stocks: YTD ROI, sector, price on January 1st, price on October 18th, 2024, and more. These stocks are selected based on growth potential, profitability, market presence, and functionality.

1. Nvidia (NVDA)

• Sector: Technology
• Why it’s great: Nvidia remains the leader in GPU technologies required for AI, gaming, and data centers. This tech giant has seen impressive performance because of the growing AI revolution. Nvidia continues to gain traction across diverse industries.

2. Apple (AAPL)

• Sector: Technology
• Why it’s great: Apple‘s hardware (iPhones for example) and services like subscription models are constantly evolving. It remains in the good books of consumers and expands into other services.

3. Microsoft (MSFT)

• Sector: Technology
• Why it’s great: Microsoft has established itself to capitalize on growth in enterprise cloud services, particularly with a solid Azure foundation and AI investments.

4. Amazon (AMZN)

• Sector: Consumer Discretionary
• Why it’s great: The largest player in e-commerce and cloud services via AWS. Amazon has a broad revenue base, focusing on both consumers and enterprises.

5. Alphabet (GOOGL)

• Sector: Technology
• Why it’s great: Google dominates search advertising and is growing its cloud business. Its AI initiatives are strong, positioning it for future growth.

6. Meta Platforms (META)

• Sector: Communication Services
• Why it’s great: Meta’s move into the metaverse and strength in the ad space make it a solid choice for long-term investors.

7. Tesla (TSLA)

• Sector: Consumer Discretionary
• Why it’s great: Tesla remains the best-selling electric vehicle company and pushes the boundaries of energy solutions, advancing sustainable technology.

8. Chevron (CVX)

• Sector: Energy
• Why it’s great: Chevron is a well-established oil and gas company offering reasonable dividends. It benefits from high oil prices and increasing investment in energy transitions.

9. ExxonMobil (XOM)

• Sector: Energy
• Why it’s great: ExxonMobil combines cash flow from oil production with a focus on renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, ensuring its place in the energy transition.

10. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)

• Sector: Financials
• Why it’s great: Berkshire’s diversified portfolio across industries, led by Warren Buffet, guarantees security and steady returns.

11. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

• Sector: Healthcare
• Why it’s great: J&J’s diverse product portfolio spans pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and medical devices. Its profitability and dividend history make it an attractive investment.

12. Visa (V)

• Sector: Financials
• Why it’s great: Visa is a leader in the cashless payments sector and is well-positioned to profit from the global growth of digital transactions.

13. Mastercard (MA)

• Sector: Financials
• Why it’s great: Mastercard, like Visa, benefits from the shift to digital payments and offers growth opportunities in global payment systems.

14. Procter & Gamble (PG)

• Sector: Consumer Staples
• Why it’s great: P&G’s trusted brands and steady dividends offer security in times of economic uncertainty.

15. Coca-Cola (KO)

• Sector: Consumer Staples
• Why it’s great: Coca-Cola is a solid choice due to its strong brand, consistent dividend growth, and diversified product portfolio, which make it attractive for income investors.

16. Netflix (NFLX)

• Sector: Communication Services
• Why it’s great: Netflix is a streaming giant, with original content attracting subscribers globally, leading to steady growth.

17. PepsiCo (PEP)

• Sector: Consumer Staples
• Why it’s great: PepsiCo’s focus on snacks and beverages gives it diversification, helping it avoid risk in individual market segments.

18. Marriott International (MAR)

• Sector: Consumer Discretionary
• Why it’s great: The recovery of travel demand offers Marriott growth potential. Its loyalty programs and expansion into emerging markets drive further growth.

19. Albemarle (ALB)

• Sector: Materials
• Why it’s great: Albemarle is a key player in lithium production, which is crucial for electric vehicle batteries. Its strategic position allows it to benefit from the booming EV market.

20. Honeywell (HON)

• Sector: Industrials
• Why it’s great: Honeywell is diversified across automation, aerospace, and building technologies, providing consistent income and growth opportunities in the industrial sector.

Suggested Diversified Portfolio with the Top 20 US Stocks that performed well in 2024 and are still worth investing in

In order to establish a well-balanced portfolio, I have picked two stocks from each sector:

Technology:

• Nvidia (NVDA)
• Microsoft (MSFT)

Consumer Discretionary:

• Amazon (AMZN)
• Tesla (TSLA)

Energy:

• Chevron (CVX)
• ExxonMobil (XOM)

Financials:

• Visa (V)
• Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)

Healthcare:

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
• Pfizer (PFE)

Consumer Staples:

• Procter & Gamble (PG)
• Coca-Cola (KO)

Communication Services:

• Meta Platforms (META)
• Netflix (NFLX)

Materials & Industrials:

• Albemarle (ALB)
• Honeywell (HON)

This portfolio combines growth potential from investments in technology and consumer discretionary sectors with stability and income from energy and healthcare. Additionally, diversification through financials, consumer staples, and industrials adds to the resilience of the portfolio. These stocks provide a mix of dividend-paying options, growth opportunities, and stability during economic downturns or inflation.