Homebuilders like D.R. Horton (DHI) and PulteGroup (PHM) also thrived, both gaining over 80% due to strong economic conditions and low interest rates.
The "best" stock to buy in 2017 depends on whether you were looking for the highest overall return, a top-performing blue chip, or a breakout biotech winner. In a year where the S&P 500 rose by approximately 19-20%, several stocks delivered triple-digit returns. The Top Overall Performers (S&P 500) the best stock to buy in 2017
Among the 30 blue-chip stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Boeing took first place, finishing roughly 20% ahead of the second-best performer, Caterpillar. Homebuilders like D
The technology sector was the best-performing broad category, up nearly 34% . Notable winners included Nvidia (NVDA) , which gained 81-85% , and PayPal (PYPL), up 87% . In a year where the S&P 500 rose
Outside of the S&P 500, small and mid-cap biotech companies saw even more explosive growth. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals led this category with a return in 2017. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (MDGL): +516% Sangamo Therapeutics (SGMO): +438% Pieris Pharmaceuticals (PIRS): +437% Straight Path Communications (STRP): +436% Market Context and Sector Trends
For investors seeking growth within major indices, NRG Energy was the top performer in the S&P 500 for 2017, yielding a total return of approximately . It was closely followed by Align Technology (the maker of Invisalign), which returned 131-143% depending on the specific measurement period. NRG Energy (NRG): +132% (Utilities) Align Technology (ALGN): +131% to +143% (Health Care) Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX): +103% (Health Care) Wynn Resorts (WYNN): +95% (Consumer Discretionary) Boeing (BA): +89% (Industrials) Breakout Biotech & High-Growth Winners