It's been a while since I’ve been analyzing which stocks were truly worth considering for 2024, especially in that context where the markets were in an upward phase after the economic recovery and inflation was finally decreasing. I wanted to share my observations on the best investments for 2024 that I identified at that time.

The first thing I noticed was that Alphabet remained a solid bet. The company grew nearly 58% year over year, mainly supported by its ecosystem of strong brands like Google, YouTube, Android, and Chrome. The interesting part was its move into AI with Gemini, trying to compete with ChatGPT. With over $77 billion in free cash flow and a P/E ratio of 29 (lower than most of its competitors in the 'Magnificent Seven' group), it had room to grow. Revenues increased 11% in the last quarter of that period, a clear sign of stability.

Nvidia was another name that came up in any conversation about top investments. It controlled nearly 90% of the AI chip market, making it virtually unbeatable. Since early 2024, it had risen 15%, continuing the momentum from 2023 when it grew 239%. Technical analysis showed it remained above its moving averages, indicating sustained buying pressure.

Then there was Novo Nordisk, which was taking advantage of the weight-loss medication boom. Ozempic was its star product in a market projected to reach $44 billion by 2030. The company had grown 57% in 2023 and maintained momentum in 2024. Its net sales increased 29% and profits 47% in the first nine months of 2023. Additionally, it was diversifying into other areas like Alzheimer’s and sickle cell diseases.

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, continued to be that safe haven many sought. With $157 billion in cash, it had the flexibility to seize opportunities. Its beta of 0.64 meant it moved less than the overall market, offering stability in volatile times. It had risen 25% in 2023, demonstrating the ability to generate consistent value.

And I couldn’t ignore Broadcom, which had grown 108% in 2023. Its acquisition of VMware was a strategic move to diversify beyond semiconductors into enterprise software. With projected revenue growth of 40% for 2024, it seemed well-positioned.

Regarding how to invest in these stocks, there are different approaches depending on your horizon. If you’re looking for quick gains, CFDs allow you to speculate without physically owning the assets, though they carry risks due to leverage. For longer-term horizons, it’s important to choose regulated brokers, diversify across various sectors instead of focusing on just one, and not get carried away by short-term volatility.

My recommendation was to build a portfolio combining these names: Novo Nordisk in pharmaceuticals, Nvidia and Alphabet in technology and AI, Berkshire Hathaway for stability, and Broadcom in semiconductors. That would give you diversified exposure across different sectors.

What I learned from that analysis is that 2024 presented clear opportunities if you knew where to look. Whether you preferred quick moves with CFDs or long-term investing in companies with solid fundamentals, there were options. The market was attentive to changes in interest rates, AI development, and geopolitical events. These were my top investments for 2024 identified at that time, based on fundamental analysis, market position, and sector trends.