With the Dow Jones Industrial Average ending March at new highs, the best Dow Jones stocks to watch in 2024 are Apple (AAPL), IBM (IBM), Merck (MRK), Microsoft (MSFT) and Visa (V).
XThere are clear winners — and losers — at the end of March. The top three performing blue chip stocks in 2024 through March were Disney (DIS), Caterpillar (CAT) and American Express (AXP), posting rallies of 35.5%, 23.9% and 21.5%, respectively.
The worst three Dow Jones stocks in 2024 so far are Boeing (BA), Nike (NKE) and Intel (INTC), with respective declines of 26%, 16.9% and 12.1%.
Wrapping up the first quarter of 2024 on March 28, the S&P 500 is up 10.2%, its best first-quarter gain since 2019. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 5.7% for the period, its strongest Q1 performance since 2021. And the Nasdaq is up 9.2% since Jan. 1.
What Is The Dow Jones Industrial Average?
Founded in 1896 with 12 stocks, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is one of the oldest stock market indexes. There are 30 Dow Jones stocks designed to serve as a bellwether for the general U.S. stock market. Other major stock indexes include the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite and the S&P 500 index — an index of the 500 largest companies in the U.S.
Best Dow Jones Stocks To Watch
| Company Name | Symbol | Closing Price | 2023 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | (AAPL) | 171.48 | -10.9% |
| Merck | (MRK) | 131.95 | +21.0% |
| Microsoft | (MSFT) | 420.72 | +11.9% |
| Visa | (V) | 279.08 | +7.2% |
| Salesforce | (CRM) | 301.18 | +14.5% |
Source: IBD Data As Of March 28, 2024
Today's Dow Jones Movers
Inside the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers (TRV) dived nearly 8% after reporting first-quarter earnings results. Shares breached their 50-day line in heavy volume.
Amid the current stock market action — according to the IBD Big Picture — investors should focus on stocks that show strong relative strength. These could again become 2024 market leaders if the Dow Jones Industrial Average is able to extend its 2024 gains.
The best Dow Jones stocks to watch in 2024 include Apple, IBM, Merck, Microsoft and Visa.
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Dow Jones Leader: Apple Stock
Among Dow Jones stocks in the Magnificent Seven, Apple stock fell 0.3% Wednesday, threatening to extend a two-day losing streak. Apple shares are below their 200-day line.
IBM Stock
IBM shares are trading below their 50-day line after a breakout past a flat base's 196.90 buy point failed.
The stock dipped 0.5% Wednesday.
Merck Stock
Drug giant Merck jumped above a 130.24 buy point in a short consolidation in recent weeks, but has fallen back to its 50-day line.
Merck shares rose 0.2% Wednesday.
Microsoft Stock Tests Key Support
Microsoft stock is back at its 50-day line following recent losses.
Shares fell 0.4% Wednesday, looking to add to Tuesday's gains.
Visa Stock
Payments leader Visa is now below its 50-day line amid losses in recent weeks. Shares are about 6% off their 52-week high.
V stock rose 0.2% Wednesday, still below the 50-day line.
Tip: Before making investment decisions, be sure to check current market conditions, and use IBD Stock Checkup to see if your stock gets good ratings for the most important fundamental and technical criteria. To get ongoing chart analysis and trading signals, check out the unique features, stock lists and chart annotations at MarketSurge, Leaderboard and SwingTrader.
Be sure to follow Scott Lehtonen on X/Twitter at @IBD_SLehtonen for more on Dow Jones stocks and the stock market.
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