Americans may look back on 2017 as a golden year for stocks. Buoyed by widespread optimism, synchronized global growth and anticipation of rolled back regulations and lower taxes, most U.S. equities ended in positive territory.
Investors would have been well served by simply buying a broad market index in 2017 -- the S&P 500 rose by 18.7%; with dividends re-invested the index posted 21.1% total returns.
The best-performing stocks in 2017 include pharmaceutical companies, leisure businesses, a dental appliance manufacturer, an aircraft manufacturer and an industrial equipment manufacturer.
Using FactSet, Financial Advisor magazine found the top 25 performing U.S. stocks from the market’s opening on Jan. 3, 2017, to its end-of-year close.
25. United Rentals (URI)
Percent Change: 62.8%
January Open: $105.58
December Close: $171.91
Price Increase: $66.33
24. Avery Dennison (AVY)
Percent Change: 63.6%
January Open: $70.22
December Close: $114.86
Price Increase: $44.64
23. Marriott International (MAR)
Percent Change: 64.2%
January Open: $82.68
December Close: $135.73
Price Increase: $53.05
22. Cadence Design Systems (CDNS)
Percent Change: 65.8%
January Open: $25.22
December Close: $41.82
Price Increase: $16.60
21. Estee Lauder (EL)
Percent Change: 66.3%
January Open: $76.49
December Close: $127.24
Price Increase: $50.75