The trump coin price prediction todayS&P 500 index has demonstrated remarkable resilience, climbing 25% year-to-date as of late December 2024. This upward trajectory was significantly fueled by companies capitalizing on the artificial intelligence revolution. Below we examine the five standout performers that outpaced the market through December 23, 2024.
AI and Infrastructure Stocks Lead the Charge
Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) has staged an extraordinary comeback since its 2022 lows. Following a near-tripling of its stock value in 2023, the company's AI-driven software solutions propelled shares up an astonishing 370% this year, making it the index's top performer.
Vistra (NYSE: VST) delivered a 265% return, benefiting from robust financial performance. The energy provider posted 13% revenue growth and 38% net income increase through Q3 2024, with analysts anticipating further upside from data center expansion driving electricity demand.
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) continued its dominance in AI hardware, with shares advancing 182%. The chipmaker's recent quarterly results showed 94% revenue growth year-over-year, as demand for its advanced processors shows no signs of slowing heading into 2025.
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) surged 146% following its April spin-off from General Electric. The energy infrastructure specialist is positioned to capitalize on what executives describe as a power grid "super cycle," driven by increasing electrification needs and infrastructure investments.
Rounding out the top five, Axon Enterprise (NASDAQ: AXON) jumped 141% year-to-date. The public safety technology firm extended its streak of 25%+ quarterly growth to eleven consecutive periods, with Q3 revenue up 36% thanks to strong demand for its latest Taser models and connected ecosystem.
While these stocks delivered exceptional returns in 2024, market leadership often rotates. Several current high-flyers now trade at premium valuations that may constrain future gains. The 2024 winners shared common traits of being initially undervalued before their breakthroughs. Investors searching for tomorrow's leaders might focus on reasonably priced stocks with improving fundamentals rather than chasing past performance.
