## U.S. Stocks Breakout 2024: Which Names Are Worth Watching in the U.S. Stock Market?

What opportunities does 2024 bring for those following the **U.S. stock market**? From Apple increasing by 261%, Microsoft rising 256%, to NVIDIA soaring 1,908% over the past 5 years, it’s clear that Big Tech giants are dominating this arena. Besides individual stocks, the U.S. index systems also show encouraging signals: S&P 500 up 85.78%, Nasdaq 100 up 147.43% during the same period.

## Understanding the U.S. Stock Market Map: 4 Main Indices You Need to Know

If you want to understand the movements of the **U.S. stock market**, you must familiarize yourself with 4 "big players": Dow Jones (DJIA), S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Nasdaq 100. Each index has its own "personality":

**Dow Jones** represents about 25% of the total market value, focusing on 30 top companies. This index was created in 1896 by Charles Dow and is always considered a "barometer" of the U.S. economy. However, it is susceptible to geopolitical events or economic crises.

**S&P 500** is more comprehensive, tracking 500 companies that account for up to 70% of market capitalization. Developed in 1957, it is the most trusted index worldwide due to its sector diversity. However, 50% of its value is determined by just 45 large companies, which causes the S&P 500 to tend toward "bias."

**Nasdaq Composite** is the "paradise" for tech companies. Established in 1971, this exchange includes thousands of companies from startups to giants. As a result, this index fluctuates strongly and reflects investor sentiment towards high-growth stocks.

**Nasdaq 100** is a "filtered" version of Nasdaq Composite, focusing only on the top 100 companies. As a non-financial index, it concentrates on Tech, Telecommunications, Biotech, Media, and Services.

As of March 2024, Dow Jones stands at 39,411, S&P 500 at 5,220, Nasdaq Composite at 18,210, and Nasdaq 100 at 18,269.

## Hot Stocks in the U.S. Stock Market in 2024

Unlike the volatile years 2022-2023 due to inflation, the Russia-Ukraine war, and interest rate hikes, 2024 brings renewed vitality to investors. Here are some stocks showing impressive performance:

**Journey Medical Corporation (DERM)**: up 181.68% in 1 year
**Praxis Precision Medicines (PRAX)**: up 394.39%
**Jin Medical International Ltd (ZJYL)**: up 750%
**Viking Therapeutics, Inc (VKTX)**: up 795.13%
**Digital World Acquisition Corp (DJT)**: up 262%
**Shockwave Medical, Inc (SWAV)**: up 828.8%
**Lifeway Foods, INC (LWAY)**: up 787%
**Smith-Midland Corporation (SMID)**: up 491.89%
**Intellinetics, Inc (INLX)**: up 285.12%

Meanwhile, the tech giants still hold their positions:
- **Microsoft (MSFT)**: $442.85, down 0.57%
- **Apple (AAPL)**: $247.39, up 0.29%
- **Amazon (AMZN)**: $224.78, down 0.45%
- **Google (GOOG)**: $186.33, up 5.37%
- **Tesla (TSLA)**: $400.52, up 2.90%

## Mind-Blowing Numbers About the U.S. Stock Market

The **U.S. stock market** currently accounts for 75% of global market capitalization, making it the largest playground in the world. As of September 2022, its total value reached $46.5 trillion, with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holding $30.1 trillion.

The two main exchanges, NYSE and Nasdaq, operate continuously from Monday to Friday. Standard trading hours are from 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM (Vietnam). Pre-market opens from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and after-hours from 3:00 AM to 5:30 AM.

Long-term growth opportunities are also impressive:
- S&P 500: +85.78% over 5 years
- Dow Jones: +54.13%
- Nasdaq 100: +147.43%

## How to Participate in the U.S. Stock Market?

For international investors, the most common method is margin trading through derivative instruments like CFDs (Hợp đồng chênh lệch). This approach allows profit from price differences without owning the actual stocks. The advantage is you can profit from both rising and falling prices.

## U.S. Stock Market Outlook: What Will 2024-2025 Bring?

According to Goldman Sachs forecasts, the Fed plans to cut interest rates 3 times in 2024 and 4 times in 2025. This is a "golden factor" for investors expecting the market to continue breaking out.

However, risks still exist. If the Middle East conflict escalates, investors might seek safe-haven assets like gold or Bitcoin, which could slow down the rally of the U.S. stock market. Expert David Bahnsen warns that stocks could decline 7-10% if tensions increase.

Currently, all 4 major U.S. indices show positive signs since October 2023. Dow Jones has increased 5.59% in the first 3 months of 2024, S&P 500 nearly 10%, Nasdaq Composite 2.28%, and Nasdaq 100 surged 24.17% over the past 6 months.

**However, remember**: The stock market always contains risks. Before investing in the **U.S. stock market**, you need to do thorough research, develop a solid plan, and manage risks carefully.