From the pandemic to the launch of generative AI, the 2020s have already been full of major developments that have changed our lives and influenced the value of stocks across industries. Among these stock options, there have been a few that have soared in value, and it’s these that we’ll explore in this article.
1. Zoom (ZM)
We can’t talk about the 2020s without thinking about the software most used daily at the peak of pandemic shutdowns: Zoom. Zoom provided the ability to touch base with coworkers and classmates when working from home and virtual classes were the norm. The technology even allowed people to touch base with friends and family amid isolation periods. This heavy use of the software saw the value of Zoom shares skyrocket in 2020, reaching their peak in October and then petering out as COVID restrictions were loosened.
2. Amazon (AMZN)
Amazon, the retail and tech giant that most people are familiar with, saw considerable growth due to the pandemic. Its orders increased, and so did its share values.
In terms of percentile growth, Amazon’s gains seem fractional at just over 100% in the last five years compared to companies seeing an increase of over 1000% in that same time. But the company has still made notable, record-breaking financial growth that earns it a place on this list. In the first quarter of 2022, on January 4th, to be specific, Amazon’s market capitalization saw a single-day growth of $190 billion. This set the record for the most significant gains earned in a single day.
3. Etsy (ETSY)
Etsy shares soared throughout the pandemic, and this has been attributed to several pandemic trends and necessities like cloth face masks, home improvement, and online shopping. Etsy conveniently provided products for these trends while adhering to the precautions by being a platform where people could shop from the safety of their homes. The sale of face masks alone grossed $600,000 in six months.
4. Moderna (MRNA)
While we’re on the subject of companies whose values soared during the pandemic, let’s discuss the enormous jump in value Moderna shares saw. Moderna saw a near 2000% jump in value thanks to its development and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. While the shares have since dipped, the future is promising for the company, as it’s recently making headlines again and is working on various other vaccines for the US market.
5. Tesla (TSLA)
Though the well-known electric vehicle producer found itself at the center of scandals and bad publicity leading up to this decade, Tesla shares have increased in value, and its vehicles have become increasingly present on the roads. The growth can be tied to Tesla releasing affordable electric vehicle options to the public with millions of their Model Y SUV and Model 3 in 2020.
6. NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
NVIDIA is a tech company specializing in graphics processing units (GPUs) used for a broad range of technologies like video games, 3D renderings, and artificial intelligence to speed up processing times. The company’s growth from its cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW, helped boost its value in 2021.
More notable than the video game service, however, is that NVIDIA’s GPUs were critical to the launch of AI programs like ChatGPT. This connection to AI has played a considerable role in the growth of NVIDIA shares, and in the last five years, it’s seen a 1734% increase in share value.
7. Super Micro Computer Inc (SMCI)
Super Micro Computers offers various server solutions for various tech platforms. Like NVIDIA, it supports AI systems with its product offerings, which has played a role in its recent rise in the stock market (increasing by 771% this past year). Industry experts expect that SMCI shares will continue to gain value in the next few years as demand for AI grows. If you’re looking to diversify your investments, buying SMCI might be a great start.
8. Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)
Advanced Micro Devices develops computer processors and graphic cards. The company was founded in 1969, and in recent years, its stock shares have seen significant value growth. This can be attributed to its long history of acquiring other major players in the tech industry, like ATI Technologies and Xilinx.
Like many tech companies with ties to computer development and processing, it’s one to watch. While its growth in the last few years has generally led to an increase in value (roughly 510% over the previous five years), it is considered volatile because it has gone through major growth and loss trends.
9. Enphase Energy Inc (ENPH)
Over the last five years, Enphase Energy has seen an incredible growth of 1060% in share value. The company provides solar power solutions, like chargers for electric vehicles, solar panels, and solar power storage systems suitable for residential and commercial use.
Enphase Energy has been contributing to a more sustainably powered future since 2006, and the nearly twenty years of dedication to tech and sustainability have seemingly paid off. Stocks in the company took off in 2020, earning Enphase Energy one of the highest soaring stocks in this decade so far.
Final Thoughts
Although we aren’t even halfway through them yet, the 2020s have already been a notable decade for the stock market. Kicking off with a pandemic that abruptly disrupted the market, the stocks mentioned here have seen immense growth in their share values, with some even coming close to earning investors as much as a casino with an average payout rate of 98%! It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the decade will play out for the stock market (and our investments).
