Originally published by MarketBeat.
Investors are seeing impressive returns this year, with many turning every $100 invested into $124. The stock market has shown strong performance, benefiting everyday investors across the country.
MarketBeat.com conducted a comprehensive survey of 3,000 respondents to uncover the most successful investors across different states. While the S&P 500 Index showed an impressive 24% return, private investors nationwide averaged a still-healthy 19% return.
Maryland investors, however, were among the worst performers in the nation, with an average return of 16% so far in 2024.
The top 10 investment performers of 2024 are:
- Hawaii – 32% return
- Alaska – 26% return
- New York – 24% return
- South Dakota – 24% return
- Louisiana – 23% return
- Oklahoma – 23% return
- Idaho – 22% return
- New Mexico – 22% return
- Tennessee – 22% return
- California – 21% return
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What’s Driving These Returns?
Individual stocks led the way, contributing 34% to investment growth. Cryptocurrency also played a significant role, accounting for 23% of portfolio gains. Fixed-income investments added another 19% to overall returns, while ETFs and mutual funds contributed 15%.
Investor Optimism for 2025
To gauge future market sentiment, MarketBeat also surveyed Maryland investors about their optimism for 2025. The state average landed at 5 out of 10 – below the national average of 6/10.
Investors in Hawaii, buoyed by their exceptional 2024 returns, lead the pack with an impressive 9/10 optimism rating.
Investor Strategies and Outlook
The survey found that most investors are taking a strategic approach to their gains:
- 35% are reinvesting to continue growth
- 26% are using gains to pay down debt
- 24% are strengthening their emergency funds
- 15% are investing in personal goals
Looking to the Future
Investors remain cautious about potential challenges:
- Rising interest rates and inflation (35%)
- Global economic uncertainties (27%)
- Market volatility (24%)
How Investors Plan to Use Their Gains
The distribution of investment gains shows a balanced approach:
- 25% are paying off debts
- 25% are saving for future needs
- 25% are reinvesting
- 13% are planning vacations
- 11% are making home improvements
“These results underscore the remarkable adaptability of today’s investors,” says Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat.com. “Rather than exclusively chasing high returns, they’re diversifying their strategies—bolstering emergency funds, paying down debt, and selectively reinvesting for long-term growth. As we head into 2025, this balanced approach will be instrumental in navigating market shifts and unlocking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.”
