These were the 5 top-performing stocks in the S&P 500 in January 2025

The S&P 500 climbed 2.7% last month.

| More on:
Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.

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

sdf

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Extending its 23%-plus climb during 2024, the S&P 500 started 2025 off with a bang, rising 2.7% in January.

And while some S&P 500 companies failed to keep pace with the index's gain, others soared. Representing a range of industries, the five top-performing S&P 500 stocks all rose more than 20% last month with Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) leading the pack.

1. Robinhood Markets (up 39.4%)

Investors hate uncertainty. So when they gained clarity into how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation against Robinhood regarding securities violations would resolve (Robinhood will pay $45 million in penalties), investors rejoiced, sending the stock soaring.

2. Twilio (up 35.6%)

Twilio (NYSE: TWLO) held its Investor Day on Jan. 23, and investors liked what they heard. The software company, which supports artificial intelligence developers, expects to generate positive operating income in 2025 and more than $3 billion in free cash flow from 2025 through 2027.

3. Constellation Energy (up 34.1%)

Days after the ball had dropped, Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG) powered higher, when it announced its plan to acquire Calpine, an electric utility with robust clean energy assets. The utility stock soared 25% higher on the day of the news.

4. CVS Health (up 25.8%)

Inspired by a proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that Medicare Advantage payments rise 4.3% on average, investors bid CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) stock higher. An analyst's positive take also contributed to the stock's movement. Evercore ISI hiked its price target to $65 from $60.

5. GE Aerospace (up 22%)

GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) lifted investors' spirits when it reported strong financial results. Compared to Q4 2023, revenue and free cash flow climbed 14% and 21%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2024. The market also celebrated management's auspicious 2025 forecast that includes continued free cash flow growth.

Is now the time to buy these S&P 500 stars?

The top-performing S&P 500 stocks in January are industry leaders that are certainly worth further investigation. Potential investors should ensure that they match their individual investing goals.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Twilio. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended CVS Health, Constellation Energy, and GE Aerospace. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Twilio. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on International Stock News

Blue Tesla.
International Stock News

Could buying Tesla stock today set you up for life?

Let's take a look.

Read more »

Woman on her phone with diagrams of tech sector related elements linking with each other.
International Stock News

How many Magnificent 7 stocks should I own?

What's the right number?

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
International Stock News

Trump's bill would end EV subsidies: Could this kill Tesla?

You might be surprised by the answer.

Read more »

A woman sits at her desk thinking. She is surrounded by projections of world maps on various screens with data appearing below them.
International Stock News

A clear case for international investing

US shares have outperformed Australian shares by a wide margin over the past 30 years.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
International Stock News

Prediction: Nvidia's recent unobtrusive maneuver could signal a big growth move ahead.

Let's take a look.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
International Stock News

Prediction: This artificial intelligence (AI) stock could be the next Nvidia — and it's not what you think

Let's take a closer look at that name and see why it could turn out to be a solid addition…

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
International Stock News

Worried about Tesla's Robotaxi? These two words from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang might change your mind.

Investors are on the edge of their seats as Tesla's robotaxi launch is reportedly around the corner.

Read more »

AI written in blue on a digital chip.
International Stock News

Warren Buffett has 23% of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio invested in 2 AI stocks up 600% and 900% in the last decade

Here's what investors should know about these two stocks.

Read more »