The Dow Jones Industrial Average got off to a solid start this year. The widely reported index, consisting of 30 large-cap stocks representing multiple sectors of the economy, gained 4.7% in the first month of the year.

While not all Dow index stocks did well in January, these five Dow stocks, which come from divergent sectors, vastly outperformed the index.

1. 3M

Industrial company 3M (NYSE: MMM) was the index's top performer in January with a 17.9% gain. Part of the stock's movement came after the company reported fourth-quarter results. Adjusted sales, which remove acquisitions/sales and foreign currency effects, grew 2.1% compared to a year ago. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell 1.2% to $1.68.

2. International Business Machines

International Business Machines' (NYSE: IBM) shares soared 16.3%. Its fourth-quarter sales increased a tepid 2% after removing the effects of foreign currency translations. However, investors were undoubtedly pleased about IBM's progress on the generative artificial intelligence front with management reporting its book of business grew to $5 billion.

3. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs' (NYSE: GS) stock price leapt 11.8% last month. The financial services company reported strong fourth-quarter results. Quarterly revenue grew 23% year over year to $13.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share more than doubled to $11.95.

Its businesses span investment banking, trading, asset management, and other banking services such as credit cards.

4. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) saw its share price increase 11.5% in January. The banking giant reported fourth-quarter revenue grew 10.9%, driving diluted earnings per share more than 58% higher.

JPMorgan Chase's businesses include banking for consumers and businesses, investment banking, and asset management.

5. Amgen

Amgen's (NASDAQ: AMGN) shareholders were undoubtedly pleased with the stock's 9.5% appreciation. Although no specific news seemed to drive the price increase, the company has a history of developing treatments for ailments such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Given people need their medications, Amgen's results tend to do well no matter what happens with the economy and people's personal finances.

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

The post These were the 5 top-performing stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in January 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's been a banner year for the stock market. However, not every stock has been a winner as some sectors performed better than others. Tech and utilities soared, while others like real estate and healthcare underperformed.

So what are the five worst performers on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) list of blue chip stocks? Let's take a look.

1. Boeing (down 36.5%)

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has had a rough year. It started early as the stock price fell after the door panel on a Boeing jet flown by Alaska Airlines popped off mid-flight. Follow-up investigations revealed a workplace culture where quality controls became overly lax. Boeing brought in a new CEO, but a full-fledged turnaround could take years.

2. Nike (down 27.5%)

Nike (NYSE: NKE) struggled this year as missteps under former CEO John Donahoe (also ousted this year) led to declining sales and profits and market share losses to upstart competitors like On Holding and Deckers' Hoka brand. Nike was also criticized for moving away from brand marketing and wholesale relationships with chains like Foot Locker. It's expected to change strategy under new CEO and company veteran Elliott Hill.

3. Merck (down 8.5%)

Merck (NYSE: MRK) is one of several pharmaceutical stocks that underperformed this year. The company struggled to find growth beyond Keytruda, a cancer drug, as franchises like HPV vaccine Gardasil and diabetes drug Januvia declined due to Gardasil's weakness in China and competition for Januvia. Keytruda now makes up nearly half of its revenue, though the headwinds against other drugs have eaten into profits.

4. Johnson & Johnson (down 6.3%)

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is also down this year as it's faced headwinds associated with lawsuits around its talcum-based products, and profits have declined due to legal costs and increased research and development (R&D) expenses.

5. Amgen (down 4.8%)

Like other healthcare stocks, Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) missed out on the cyclical tailwinds that lifted the broad market, and it's faced challenges with MariTide, a weight loss drug that could be linked to bone mineral density loss. Revenue from oncology treatments and established products like Enbrel are also down.

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

The post These are the 5 worst-performing stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average with 2024 almost over appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.