The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the most followed stock market index in the world, indicates the health of big corporations within the United States. On December 5, 2024, the DJIA closed at 44,765.71, having slipped by 248.33 points or 0.55%. Still, some impressive performance was seen in various stocks within the index, with different openings for investors—in opportunities and risks alike.
Here is a close review of today’s DJIA performance and the stocks in focus.
DJIA Performance Review
The DJIA resumed trading at 45,038.44 and traded around 44,747.14 to 45,059.94 during the day. The index generally weakened a bit; however, its trend this year has been up until now. The DJIA gained 18.77% during the first half of the year; it has risen by 23.95% for the last one.
Broader worries that the market was more about fears than anything else as most sectors experienced mixed returns fell somewhat on the day. Bright spots included such standouts as 3M Co., Merck & Co., and McDonald’s, but a few laggards weighed the index down, namely UnitedHealth Group, Salesforce, and Sherwin-Williams.
Top Winners in the DJIA
3M Co.
- Price: $133.33
- Change: +2.21%
3M Co. was one of the day’s gainers, soaring by $2.88. With a diversified portfolio of industrial and consumer products, this company has faced market fluctuations without any hitches. The cost-cutting measures continued in the company and stable demand in all sectors has continued to build confidence among investors.
Merck & Co. Inc.
- Price: $103.55
- Change: +2.15%
Merck has been pretty consistent, driven by strong pharmaceutical sales. With current FDA approvals and robust drug pipelines, investors can sleep well knowing that the company will grow from here.
McDonald’s Corp.
- Price: $299.47
- Change: +1.48%
McDonald’s is definitely one of the best plays when it comes to defensive stocks, with solid, global sales and an attempt to become a high-tech company. Its value meals and innovative menu items continue to help the company stay ahead of the game in whatever economic condition arises.
Also read: Oracle Q2 Results 2025 Release Date And What To Expect
Top Losers in the DJIA
UnitedHealth Group Inc.
- Price: $578.97
- Change: -5.21%
UnitedHealth Group was thrashed today, lower by $31.82. Driving out healthcare expenses and eventual regulatory headlocks have been casting gloom over the stock. Investors are concerned about the long-term effect it has on profitability.
Salesforce Inc.
- Price: $361.38
- Percent Change: -1.76%
Salesforce declined 6.49 dollars with the market reacting to its weakness in growth. While the company remains in the leadership position for cloud solutions, the problem of integrating new acquisitions and retaining profitability in a competitive technology environment continues to bear.
Sherwin-Williams Co.
- Price: $385.24
- Change: -1.74%
Sherwin-Williams is a market leader in paints and coatings. It dropped 6.83 dollars. It is currently weakening, thanks to bad house numbers and consumer spending worry. But the outlook looks fine.
DJIA Stocks to Watch
Microsoft Corp.
- Price: $442.62
- Change: +1.19%
Microsoft is constantly shocking the world with its progress in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Latest statements about the growth of Azure and new AI tools are already raising investor optimism, so it is one of the stocks to watch.
Coca-Cola Co.
- Price: $62.92
- Change: +1.14%
Coca-Cola Company has been focusing on product development and international markets, staying healthy. A strong brand identity and smooth revenue expansion of the company make it less susceptible to a decline in the fortunes of investors.
Apple Inc
- Price: $243.04
- Change: +0.01%
Apple shares today are flat. The company can continue to witness growth with its imminent releases in the wearables and services sectors.
Market Trends
The DJIA moved in tandem with the general market trend for the day. Other majors were also down:
- NASDAQ Composite: -0.17%
- S&P 500: -0.19%
- Russell 2000: -1.25%
Some of the sectors that took a hit include technology and healthcare. Utilities, on the other hand, gained 0.21%. This is opposite to the sector’s reaction to economic conditions.
What to Expect
Traders are to expect a choppy market tomorrow as the effect of the following factors:
- Economic Numbers: The results of Employment and Inflation reports shall be market drivers.
- Company’s News: Release of earnings along with guidance given by the constituents of DJIA could mark the direction of the markets.
- International Events: Geopolitical news and currency fluctuations will remain on the investor’s radar screens.
Conclusion
The slight downturn of the DJIA today speaks to the inability of most investors to weather the choppy environment. Nonetheless, the DJIA is still a play for a smart investor. Strength in 3M, Merck, and Microsoft can be pointed to, but UnitedHealth Group and Salesforce remind the investor to keep sector-specific risks in mind.
In the DJIA, moving forward would require keeping updated in knowledge for investment in focusing long-term strategies to cash in on various opportunities present.
