Naughty or nice? The best and worst performers of 2024

This year, the stock market served up thrills, spills and a few surprises that had investors buzzing. Some companies unwrapped sweet gains that left everyone feeling festive, while others fumbled their way to a lump-of-coal worthy performance. From ZIP Co’s jaw-dropping comeback to The Star Entertainment’s bumpy ride, here’s who sparkled – and face-planted – this year.

Ready to see who made the list?

 

 

Best Performers
 

1. ZIP Co (ZIP)+399%*

Known for: Turning “Buy Now, Pay Later” into a lifestyle

Why it’s up: ZIP Co’s stock skyrocketed as it narrowed losses, streamlined operations and capitalised on growing global demand for buy-now-pay-later solutions. Investors cheered as ZIP hinted at finally hitting that elusive profitability sweet spot. A true comeback story that reignited market confidence.

 

2. Life360 (360)+187%*

Known for: Family safety and location-sharing technology.

Why it’s up: Life360 nailed it this year with more subscribers and smart acquisitions (hello, Jiobit). And its app for modern families made a strong case for growth and the market rewarded its vision big time.
 

3. Sigma Healthcare (SIG)+141%*

Known for: Getting medicines where they need to go.

Why it’s up: Sigma is crushing it with a serious comeback story. Regaining lost contracts and a massive merger with Chemist Warehouse put it back in the driver’s seat. With healthcare demand staying strong, Sigma’s been flexing its resilience and reminding everyone it’s a key player.

 

Worst Performers
 

1. The Star Entertainment (SGR)-59%*

Known for: Casinos and entertainment venues.

Why it’s down: It’s been a tough year for The Star. Regulatory investigations and fines tarnished its reputation, while declining visitor numbers post-pandemic didn’t help. Add in cost pressures and an uncertain economic environment, and The Star’s stock hit rock bottom.
 

2. Lifestyle Communities (LIC)-52%*

Known for: Building and managing retirement communities.

Why it’s down: Rising interest rates and a slowing property market knocked Lifestyle Communities hard. With housing affordability tightening, demand for its lifestyle-focused developments slowed. Investors grew cautious and the stock reflected those worries.
 

3. Liontown Resources (LTR)-52%*

Known for: Lithium mining and exploration.

Why it’s down: It’s a classic case of hype falling short. After riding the lithium boom, Liontown stumbled when production delays and rising costs raised red flags. A failed takeover bid added uncertainty, leaving investors wary of the company’s next steps. A slump in lithium prices added significant weight to its share price.

 

Ready to trade international shares with CommSec?

You can start by exploring Aussie shares in the CommSec mobile app or by logging into your CommSec account.

Six ways to research a stock before you buy

You wouldn’t plan a holiday without researching your destination. The same rule applies to investing. Here are six straightforward ways to research a stock before you buy.
Read now >

How to manage your risk when investing

Most things in life come with an element of risk, and so does investing. Luckily, the power to understand and manage that risk starts with you. So let’s start here.
Read now >

CommSec vs CommSec Pocket: What’s the difference?

Unsure about whether to invest with CommSec, CommSec Pocket, or both? Use this side-by-side comparison.
Read now >
Return to homepage

Important information

*All performance information is at 21 November 2024.

Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited (formerly Chi-X Australia Pty Limited), a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

This information is not advice and is general in nature. The information has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to the individual's objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. You can view the International Shares Terms and Conditions, CommSec Terms and Conditions, Product Disclosure Statements, Best Execution Statement and Financial Services Guide, and the relevant product disclosure documents or equivalent on any ETF, available from the product issuer before making any decision about these products and services.

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

Investing in overseas markets exposes you to risks including those related to movements in foreign currency exchange rates and market prices.

 

Follow us on:

Download the CommSec App

 

© Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

The information on this page has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to their objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

CommSec does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any content on this page, including any third party sourced data, nor does it accept liability for any errors or omissions.

Top