For investors in 2017, the "high-risk, high-reward" segment of the market was defined by a strong rebound in energy, explosive breakthroughs in biotechnology, and the rising dominance of high-growth technology. While the broader market saw a lack of volatility, with the S&P 500 rising roughly 20% and the Nasdaq nearly 30%, these specific sectors offered triple-digit gains for those willing to stomach higher volatility.
: A high-beta tech play that gained 109% due to a surge in demand and pricing for memory chips used in mobile devices and servers. Sector-Specific Risk Profiles high risk stocks to buy 2017
: The maker of Invisalign benefited from a near-monopoly on invisible braces, seeing a 131% increase as it expanded its training to thousands of dentists globally. For investors in 2017, the "high-risk, high-reward" segment
: Expectations of tax cuts and increased infrastructure support under the new U.S. administration provided a tailwind for industrial and homebuilding stocks like Boeing (BA) and D.R. Horton (DHI) . Sector-Specific Risk Profiles : The maker of Invisalign
: Despite a "chaotic news cycle," markets remained remarkably steady, allowing growth premiums to outperform value premiums significantly.
: Stocks like Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Cameco (CCJ) were considered high-risk due to volatile commodity prices. FCX, in particular, was viewed as a speculative "survival" play as it wrestled with high debt levels relative to cash flow.
: Another biotech leader, Nektar returned 387% following positive news regarding its immuno-oncology and painkiller treatments.