Why the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price is not the only rising star this year

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has rocketed higher in 2020 but there are more rising stars to keep an eye on next year…

outperforming asx share price represented by row of white eggs with cartoon sad faces with one gold egg with happy face and crown

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price surged higher on Monday as the Aussie tech share looks set to join the S&P/ASX 20 Index (ASX: XTL) in 2021.

Afterpay shares closed up 8.8% at $109.93 per share, 258.9% higher than where they started the year.

Most ASX investors would be familiar with the Afterpay story, but what about the other rising stars of the ASX? Let's take a look at some of the top performers ahead of 2021.

Why the Afterpay share price isn't the only rising star

While the Afterpay share price has grabbed many of the headlines, there have been plenty of top stocks climbing higher.

That's been recognised in the latest ASX 20 rebalancing, with Afterpay joining Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) in the top stocks club.

It's been a big year on the markets with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) currently on track for one of its best quarters in the last 20 years. 

Strong iron ore prices have been supportive of the Fortescue share price in 2020. In fact, the Fortescue share price has rocketed 105.6% higher this year to a market capitalisation of $68.2 billion.

The Coles share price has jumped 21.0% higher this year to $18.18 per share on the back of strong sales and profitability.

The outlier is Aristocrat, with the Australian gambling machine manufacturer actually seeing a 12.3% decline to $30.01 per share.

The wagering sector has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions which has reduced demand for new machines. That makes the addition of Aristocrat into the exclusive ASX 20 club a curious one.

However, that's more to do with some of the current constituents. Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) has been turfed out of the index with a market capitalisation of $12.5 billion compared to Aristocrat's $19.2 billion.

Foolish takeaway

It's always worth keeping an eye on both the rising stars and "fallen angels" in an index rebalancing. That's especially the case given the meteoric rise of Afterpay and other ASX tech shares in 2020.

Should you invest $1,000 in Aristocrat Leisure Limited right now?

Before you buy Aristocrat Leisure Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Aristocrat Leisure Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

A person in a gorilla suit leaps really high holding a banana, nearly doing the splits.
Share Gainers

Up 1,238% in a year, why is this ASX gold stock surging again on Monday?

The ASX gold stock is now well into ten-bagger range and still rising fast today.

Read more »

A happy investor sits at his desk in front of his laptop and does the mexican wave with his arms to celebrate the returns from his ASX dividend shares
Share Gainers

Why EOS, Gorilla Gold, Lendlease, and OFX shares are charging higher today

These shares are starting the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

A woman in a business suit sits at her desk with gold bars in each hand while she kisses one bar with her eyes closed. Her desk has another three gold bars stacked in front of her. symbolising the rising Northern Star share price
Gold

How this ASX All Ords gold stock turned $10,000 into $78,740 in just one year

The ASX All Ords gold miner has raced higher over the year. Let’s find out how.

Read more »

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors enjoyed a happy end to the trading week this Friday.

Read more »

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Bank Shares

CBA shares top $170. Where to now?

Another day, another record high for CBA shares.

Read more »

Two people jump and high five above a city skyline.
Share Gainers

Why these 5 ASX 200 stocks are racing higher this week

It’s been a stellar week for these five ASX 200 stocks. But why?

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why Appen, Aspen, Catalyst Metals, and Core Lithium shares are racing higher today

Let's see why these shares are roaring higher today and ending the week on a high.

Read more »

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Technology Shares

This ASX 200 tech stock would have doubled your money in a year. Is it too late to buy now?

After more than doubling in a year, here’s what Macquarie expects next for this soaring ASX 200 tech stock.

Read more »