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 technology sector was the best-performing broad category, up nearly 34% . Notable winners included Nvidia (NVDA) , which gained 81-85% , and PayPal (PYPL), up 87% . the best stock to buy in 2017
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