Some stocks started the year with a 43% plunge but ended at unexpected highs. Others soared by 270% at debut but now struggle at the bottom. Like a roller coaster, the stock market takes investors on a thrilling "heartbeat" journey.

On December 18th, Eastern Time, Wall Street faced a black swan event! Although the Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points as expected, Jerome Powell’s hawkish comments shook investor confidence. Market uncertainty and volatility remain challenging, especially amidst global economic headwinds, impacting both short-term sentiment and future outlooks.

Despite these challenges, U.S. stocks have shown strong overall performance in 2024, though individual stocks tell different stories. Sahm highlights six U.S. stocks with dramatic ups and downs: some rebounded surprisingly well, others peaked early but now linger low, while some remain on their roller coaster ride.

These stories reflect market complexity and offer valuable lessons for investors.

Apple and Tesla: From "Dismal Start" to "Comeback"       

Earlier this year, Apple Inc.(AAPL.US) and Tesla Motors, Inc.(TSLA.US) lagged behind the "Magnificent Seven," underperforming the market. Apple’s stock fell over 14%, hitting $163.48 due to weak iPhone sales in China, regulatory risks, and unclear AI plans. Wall Street's skepticism was clear: 

• Barclays downgraded Apple, predicting a 15% drop in 2024. 
• Piper Sandler cut Apple’s rating twice in one week. 
• Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple holdings by nearly 50%, worth over $80 billion. 

On February 28, Apple shifted from car projects to AI, reversing market sentiment. Events like WWDC and AI partnerships boosted its stock, driving a recovery. By December 19, Apple’s market cap neared $4 trillion, a record. 

Looking to 2025, Citibank analysts forecast continued growth with AI-driven iPhone updates and projected shipments of 227M, 246M, and 253M units in 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. 

In a year of fluctuating fortunes for Tesla, the electric vehicle giant grappled with strategic price cuts and financial results that swung its stock prices.

• Tesla tackled early-year challenges with price cuts, stirring profit concerns. Q4 reports displayed subpar revenues and profits with potential slowdowns in 2024. 
• On April 24, Tesla's shares rebounded by 12%, buoyed by Musk's optimistic visions on a one-hour earnings call, despite Q1's weak performance and a Cybertruck recall.
• Steady stock growth persisted until November 4, when Musk's bet on Trump paying off marked a turning point, bolstering Tesla's momentum.

Musk's significant bet on Trump seemingly paid off, as Tesla's stock soared by near 80% from November 5 to December 19, with Musk's net worth reaching a record $447 billion.

Looking to 2025, Mizuho upgraded Tesla's rating to "outperform" with a target price of $515, anticipating regulatory and policy tailwinds, including relaxed self-driving laws. Dan Ives of Wedbush also raised his price target to $515, with a bullish case of $650 by 2025, depending on Tesla's AI and self-driving advancements, despite not accounting for the potential impact of the "Optimus" robot.

Super Micro Computer: Struggling in a Slump, Can Reports Restore Past Splendor?

Super Micro Computer, Inc.(SMCI.US) shined in the first half-year, unlike Apple and Tesla, owing to high demand for its AI chip servers and a close tie with NVIDIA, ensuring priority access to vital chips.

• In early 2024, the company's stock prices surged, with market demand for its server products and robust earnings reports driving growth.
• On March 1, inclusion in the S&P 500 Index marked a high, as passive investments boosted the stock to a historic peak of $122.9, a jump of over 270%.
• With high stock valuations came lofty expectations, which weren't met in subsequent performance, leading to a weakening in the "top AI stock."
• Later, in August, Super Micro faced allegations from Hindenburg Research of "accounting manipulations." Despite rebuffs, the stock dropped over 40%. On October 30, more fallout hit as Ernst & Young resigned over integrity concerns, triggering a 33% stock plunge.

Super Micro Computer has retreated to its early-year price levels, though it's gained some reprieve by hiring BDO as its new auditing firm and submitting a compliance plan to NASDAQ.

Still, the critical task ahead is delivering a highly convincing financial report that can restore market confidence in the company.

DJT: The Market’s Fate Tied to Trump

Once a little-known SPAC, my story changed after joining the Trump family.

Trump Media & Technology Group, formerly Digital World Acquisition Corp (DWAC), completed its merger with Trump’s media company on March 26, 2024, and began trading as Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.(DJT.US).

As a personal brand stock, DJT’s performance depends entirely on Trump. In 2024, the stock saw four rallies and one decline:

• Election Year: Supporters gained a direct way to "invest in their idol," fueling the first surge.
• Presidential Debate: Trump’s strong showing against Biden boosted his chances and drove the second rally.
• July 14 Attack: Trump’s poised response to an attack during a speech sparked the third rally.
• Democratic Nominee Harris: Concerns about a stronger opponent and the end of the lock-up period led to a dip.
• Victory Confidence: Growing confidence in Trump’s victory drove a rebound, culminating in a post-election rally.

Analysts observe that as December progresses, U.S. stocks remain buoyant, while markets await Trump’s inauguration and policy signals on tariffs and immigration. Looking to 2025, Trump’s image and his administration’s policies are set to influence the market.

On December 12, Trump rang the NYSE bell, pledging to lead America toward "unprecedented prosperity" with tax cuts, energy initiatives, and stock market support. His remark summed it up as the stock market is everything.