Stocks and 2020: A Love Story

With 2020 finally in our rearview mirror, some investors in the stock market are licking their wounds – hoping that 2021 offers some relief. Many business owners are now watching from the sidelines as their companies did not make it through the year. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have radically affected our economy and how the world does business. While industries like travel and entertainment have taking a beating on the market, some companies have been able to thrive. Here are some of 2020’s most successful businesses on the stock market.

FedEx (FDX)

Unsurprisingly, the dramatic lifestyle changes that the world faced last year has paved the way for a successful FedEx in 2020. While foot traffic at storefronts went down, people took to the internet to do their shopping, and FedEx was there to deliver.

• Stock at start of 2020: $152.42
• March 2020: $90.39
• Stock at end of 2020: $262.20

Moderna (MRNA)

Moderna is one of the drug development companies to create a vaccine for COVID-19. Developing a vaccine in a fraction of the time it would normally take, the company has seen success in both development and value. It saw nearly 600% growth.

• Stock at start of 2020: $18.70
• March 2020: $21.30
• Stock at end of 2020: $104.77

Amazon (AMZN)

Amazon is another business that is seemingly pandemic proof. The lockdowns were devastating for the mom-and-pop shops, but Jeff Bezos only small more success for his online shopping juggernaut.

• Stock at start of 2020: $1,874.97
• March 2020: $1,874
• Stock at end of 2020: $3,259.93

Zoom (ZM)

As millions across the world adapted to working at home, Zoom became a household name. Companies used Zoom to conference with their employees and clients. Friends and families used Zoom to stay in touch when they weren’t allowed to leave the house.

• Stock at start of 2020: $67.28
• March 2020: $107.47
• Stock at end of 2020: $337.32

Netflix (NFLX)

Last year, movie theaters and gyms were closed. Sporting events and concerts were cancelled. In some places, it was even prohibited to go for a walk in the park. When looking for some entertainment and a break from the doom and gloom of the news, households all around turned to Netflix.

• Stock at start of 2020: $325.90
• March 2020: $332.83
• Stock at end of 2020: $540.73

Tesla (TSLA)

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla has seen amazing success in 2020. With 830% growth from the beginning of the year, Tesla became one of the top ten most valuable businesses in the world.

• Stock at start of 2020: $84.90
• March 2020: $72.24
• Stock at end of 2020: $705.67

Even with vaccine distribution well underway, the world is not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 and the lockdowns will leave a lasting impression. And the market will adapt. With businesses adjusting to incorporate a permanent work-from-home model, some think Zoom maybe worth a long-term investment. But what will Netflix and FedEx look like as the world opens up again?