The year 2016 went out with a bang for stock investors, after a large November and December post-election rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the year at 19,762.60 on December 30. It may have not hit the 20,000 mark, but it ended 2016 with a gain of 13.4% from the 17,425.03 close on the last trading day of 2015.
Since this time, the Dow has flirted with the 20,000 level but never actually crossed it. The performance has been pushed up by a handful of stocks, representing some of America’s largest companies in the Dow.
These stocks have made stellar performances for just the first three weeks of the New Year, and they have obviously gone above and beyond the performance of the market.
24/7 Wall St. has picked out the top five performing stocks in the Dow and provided a little commentary on each, as well as a recent trading history and consensus price target.
So far in 2017, Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has seen its shares rise by about 4.8%. Although Visa is at the top of the list for 2017, it was closer to the bottom for 2016, despite posting a gain last year. Looking ahead, Visa has partnered with PayPal to take on Google Wallet and Apple Pay.
Shares of Visa were last seen trading at $81.74, with a consensus analyst price target of $94.55 and a 52-week trading range of $66.12 to $83.96.
Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) shares have risen by just over 4% in the New Year. Nike has the worst performing Dow stock in 2016, but it seems that things are turning around. Athleisure trends are picking up for now, but international concerns with what the Trump administration has in store are clouding up the crystal ball.
Shares of Nike were trading at $53.10, with a consensus price target of $62.00 and a 52-week range of $49.01 to $65.44.
Shares of American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) have run by 4% in these first three weeks. Amex just reported its fourth-quarter earnings this week, which were ultimately mixed. After parting ways with Costco in 2016, many thought that Amex would suffer, but that has not been the case. The company had a strong close to the year and is looking forward to continued strength in the financial sector.
American Express was trading at $76.36. The consensus price target is $78.92, and a 52-week range of $50.27 to $78.00.
At number four on the list of best Dow stocks in 2017 is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). The share price has gained about 3.4% since the start of the year. Apple closed 2016 in the middle of the pack, despite releasing its iPhone 7 just in time for the holidays. The iPhone received mixed reviews, but overall it was well received. What Apple has planned next is yet to be seen, but its loyal customer base will most definitely be supportive.
Apple shares were trading at $120.00, in a 52-week range of $89.47 to $120.50. The consensus analyst target is $133.10.
Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) closed 2016 on the lower end of the Dow, but now it is in the top five for 2017. Disney shares have gained nearly 3% so far. The company has yet to report earnings for its most recent quarter, although the numbers coming in from the most recent Star Wars movie are proving to be incredibly positive. The Mouse House has even more Star Wars on the way in the coming years, with Episode VIII and a spin-off for fan favorite Han Solo.
The stock last seen at $107.38 a share, with a consensus price target of $111.59 and a 52-week trading range of $86.25 to $109.49.
Also check out the 24/7 Wall St. review of the worst Dow stocks so far this year.
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