The first quarter of 2024 was rewarding for equity investors, as the S&P 500 increased 10.2%. Much of the market participated, as the S&P 500 Growth Index advanced 12.6% and the S&P 500 Value Index rose 7.4%. Leading sectors included Communication Services (+15.6%), Energy (+12.7%), Technology (+12.5%), Financials (+12%), and Industrials (+10.6%). The average stock in the Argus Universe of Coverage rose 8.0% during the year, and the median stock advanced 7.2%. The average BUY-rated stock increased 9.9%, while the average HOLD-rated stock gained 3%. Will the market's breadth hold up for the balance of 2024 or will investors revert to the so-called Magnificent 7? Will small-caps pick up their pace (the Russell 2000 was up "only" 4.8% in 1Q) or is the current bull-market rally due for a break, with some profit-taking coming into play? Given declining interest rates, we expect growth stocks to continue to lead stocks higher, while the risk of recession puts a premium on clean balance sheets, which are also more prevalent among large-caps. Investors seeking value are encouraged to focus on dividends and look for yields in the 3%-4% range. Here are the Top 10 Performers from the Argus Universe last quarter (including representatives of six of the 11 major sectors) as well as the Bottom-Five Performers.

Teladoc Health Inc., based in Purchase, New York, provides telemedicine virtual healthcare services in the United States and internationally. Customers can speak to licensed physicians about non-emergency care, mental health, and dermatological conditions, and receive remote prescriptions for medication. Clients sign up for yearly or monthly subscriptions, and may also pay a flat fee for an appointment. Teladoc's consulting physicians are paid per consult. Founded in 2002, the company has grown into one of the largest virtual healthcare platforms in the United States. Since its IPO in 2015, the company has increased its membership, product offerings, and the utilization of its services.

Stocks rose on Thursday morning as investors awaited the November employment report on Friday. Weekly unemployment claims were largely in line with expectations. The Labor Department said that first-time claims rose by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 220,000 for the week ended December 2, slightly below the Reuters consensus forecast of 222,000. Continuing claims fell by 64,000 to 1.861 million. Meanwhile, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said that U.S. employers announced 45,510 layoffs in November, up 24% from October but down 41% from November 2022. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.5%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.7%. Crude oil rose 1% to $70 per barrel, while gold fell $5 to $2043 per ounce.

Teladoc Health Inc., based in Purchase, New York, provides telemedicine virtual healthcare services in the United States and internationally. Customers can speak to licensed physicians about non-emergency care, mental health, and dermatological conditions, and receive remote prescriptions for medication. Clients sign up for yearly or monthly subscriptions, and may also pay a flat fee for an appointment. Teladoc's consulting physicians are paid per consult. Founded in 2002, the company has grown into one of the largest virtual healthcare platforms in the United States. Since its IPO in 2015, the company has increased its membership, product offerings, and the utilization of its services.