For investors seeking growth within major indices, NRG Energy was the top performer in the S&P 500 for 2017, yielding a total return of approximately . It was closely followed by Align Technology (the maker of Invisalign), which returned 131-143% depending on the specific measurement period. NRG Energy (NRG): +132% (Utilities) Align Technology (ALGN): +131% to +143% (Health Care) Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX): +103% (Health Care) Wynn Resorts (WYNN): +95% (Consumer Discretionary) Boeing (BA): +89% (Industrials) Breakout Biotech & High-Growth Winners
Homebuilders like D.R. Horton (DHI) and PulteGroup (PHM) also thrived, both gaining over 80% due to strong economic conditions and low interest rates. the best stock to buy in 2017
Among the 30 blue-chip stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Boeing took first place, finishing roughly 20% ahead of the second-best performer, Caterpillar. For investors seeking growth within major indices, NRG