A Record-Breaking Year for Investors: What Went Wrong for the Losers?
The S&P 500’s remarkable 25% return in 2024 has left many investors celebrating a banner year. A robust global economy, combined with interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, has fueled optimism for a strong outlook. The technology sector, in particular, has been a standout, with artificial intelligence (AI) driving transformative changes across various industries.
The Flip Side: The Biggest Losers in the Stock Market
However, not every company shared in the success. Identifying the worst-performing stocks in the S&P 500 can provide valuable insights into themes to avoid and serve as a reminder of the underlying risks investors must balance.
The Bottom Five: A Closer Look
Here are the five worst-performing stocks in the S&P 500 in 2024:
- Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ: WBA): -64%
- Intel (NASDAQ: INTC): -60%
- Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA): -58%
- Celanese (NYSE: CE): -55%
- Estée Lauder (NYSE: EL): -49%
What Went Wrong?
In a strong bull market, underperforming stocks often reflect fundamental weaknesses or company-specific setbacks. This pattern held true for 2024’s losers, which generally reported weaker-than-expected results. Intel, for instance, struggled to adapt to a shifting landscape, where AI-driven demand for GPUs from competitors overshadowed its traditional CPU business.
A Silver Lining?
Market volatility can sometimes present buying opportunities in beaten-down stocks, provided the companies show potential for a turnaround. Walgreens, despite being the worst performer, has rallied sharply in the new year following a recent company update with signs of an improving outlook. Keeping these stocks on your radar can be worthwhile, as yesterday’s losers can become tomorrow’s winners.
Don’t Miss Out on the Next Big Opportunity
Our expert team of analysts occasionally issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies they believe are about to surge. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. With a proven track record of success, our “Double Down” alerts can help you capitalize on the next big opportunity. See which three incredible companies are on our radar now.
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