Stock Market Roundup 2024: What Worked, What Didn't, and Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever

As we wrap up 2024, it's time to take a look back at the stock market performance and identify what worked, what didn't, and which stocks investors can buy now and hold for the long term. This year has been marked by significant trends and challenges, and understanding these can help investors make informed decisions moving forward.

One of the most notable trends in 2024 was the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Companies benefiting from this trend, such as Palantir Technologies (PLTR) and Nvidia (NVDA), saw significant gains. PLTR shares surged 370% year-to-date, while NVDA shares rose 182%. This trend was particularly beneficial for the technology sector and is expected to continue driving growth in the coming years.



However, not all sectors and stocks performed well in 2024. Retail stocks, such as Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and Dollar Tree (DLTR), struggled due to changing consumer behavior and increased competition from online retailers. WBA's stock fell 66.6%, while DLTR's stock dropped 50.09%. Additionally, healthcare stocks like Moderna (MRNA) faced challenges due to concerns about future revenue streams, with its stock falling 39.47%.



Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for investors to buy stocks now and hold them for the long term. Some sectors and stocks that performed exceptionally well in 2024 include:

1. Energy Infrastructure: Companies involved in energy infrastructure, such as Vistra (VST), reported strong financial results and are expected to benefit from the buildout of power-hungry data centers. VST's stock is up 265% year-to-date.
2. Law Enforcement Technology: Axon Enterprise (AXON) shares are up 141% year-to-date, driven by demand for its law enforcement technology products.
3. Power Grid Infrastructure: GE Vernova (GEV) shares are up 146% following its spin-off from General Electric in April, as investors see great potential for the company to benefit from a "super cycle" in power grid infrastructure.



To make the most of these opportunities, investors should focus on conducting thorough research and understanding the underlying fundamentals of the companies they invest in. By doing so, they can identify stocks that have the potential to generate long-term growth and hold them for the long term.

In conclusion, 2024 was a year marked by significant trends and challenges in the stock market. While some sectors and stocks performed exceptionally well, others struggled. By understanding these trends and conducting thorough research, investors can identify stocks to buy now and hold for the long term. As we look ahead to 2025, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to the ever-changing market landscape to make the most of investment opportunities.