US Stock Markets: A Comparative Analysis of Major Stocks, Crypto

Abdulmumin Solihu

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Introduction

The US stock market remains one of the most dynamic environments for investors, providing opportunities across a diverse range of assets.
This analysis is based on a dataset from Kaggle, containing stock prices and trading volumes for key players in the market from February 1, 2020, to February 2, 2024.
While the dataset focuses exclusively on these two metrics, it provides valuable insights into asset performance and market trends over this four-year period.
This report identifies patterns and highlights market leaders across various sectors.

US Stock Markets — Overview

The US stock market is home to some of the largest and most influential companies in the world.
With market movements being closely tied to global events, investor sentiment, and technological advancements, it is crucial to understand the underlying factors that drive the value of assets.
From tech giants like Apple and Meta to energy resources like crude oil, the stock market reflects not just company performance but also broader economic trends.
Additionally, cryptocurrencies and commodities have become increasingly intertwined with stock market dynamics, providing alternative investment opportunities.

Factors Influencing Stock Values, Currency Prices, and Asset Performance

Stock values are influenced by a range of factors including company earnings, macroeconomic indicators, interest rates, and geopolitical events.
For cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, volatility, regulatory updates, and market sentiment are key drivers of value.
Commodities such as crude oil and platinum fluctuate based on supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical risks, and production changes. Understanding these variables is essential for investors aiming to capitalize on market shifts.

Analytical Insights

Apple > Amazon: Apple’s stock outperforms Amazon in terms of both price and trading volume. This reflects strong investor confidence in Apple’s continued dominance in consumer electronics and tech innovation, compared to Amazon’s more diversified but less profitable portfolio in recent quarters.
Apple-Amazon | Crude oil-Natural gas
Apple-Amazon | Crude oil-Natural gas
Crude Oil > Natural Gas: Crude oil has consistently maintained a higher stock value and trading volume than natural gas, due to its central role in global energy markets and its responsiveness to geopolitical events and production quotas set by OPEC.
Bitcoin > Ethereum: Bitcoin maintains its lead over Ethereum, not only in terms of price but also in volume traded. This reinforces Bitcoin’s role as a ‘digital gold’ and safe-haven asset, while Ethereum, though innovative in smart contracts, remains second to Bitcoin in investor preference.
BTC-ETH | Silver-Platinum |Nasdaq 100-S&P 500
BTC-ETH | Silver-Platinum |Nasdaq 100-S&P 500
Platinum > Silver: Platinum’s stock value exceeds that of silver, driven largely by its use in industries like automotive manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Silver, while more accessible, doesn’t command the same industrial demand, leading to lower overall market performance.
Nasdaq 100 > S&P 500: The Nasdaq 100 index outperforms the S&P 500 in terms of growth, driven by its tech-heavy composition. With companies like Apple, Meta, and Microsoft leading the Nasdaq, it maintains higher stock values and volume, especially during periods of tech sector dominance. The S&P 500, while more diversified, shows steadier growth but doesn’t match the explosive performance of the Nasdaq.
Netflix > Tesla: Netflix outperforms Tesla in terms of stock value and trading volume, reflecting its strong foothold in the entertainment industry. Tesla, while a leader in electric vehicles, has faced higher market volatility and investor skepticism, leading to its relatively lower position.
NetFlix-Tesla | Goolge-Meta-Microsoft
NetFlix-Tesla | Goolge-Meta-Microsoft
Meta > Microsoft > Google: Among tech giants, Meta leads in stock price, followed by Microsoft and Google. Meta’s dominance is linked to its aggressive expansion into the metaverse and virtual reality, while Microsoft’s strong cloud computing business keeps it competitive. Google, though still a powerhouse, has seen a more stable performance, reflecting its diversified but less risky ventures.

Recommendations and Action Plans:

For investors:
Diversify portfolios by considering assets that perform well in different market conditions, such as cryptocurrencies alongside traditional stocks and commodities.
Monitor tech stocks closely as companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Apple continue to innovate and expand into new markets.
Keep an eye on energy assets like crude oil, which remains volatile but offers significant opportunities in times of geopolitical tension.
For companies:
Leverage market data to identify sectors that show consistent growth and develop strategies to capitalize on high-performing stocks.
Incorporate emerging technologies like blockchain and clean energy solutions to remain competitive, as seen in the rise of Bitcoin and platinum.

Final Thoughts

The US stock market continues to evolve, with certain stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities emerging as clear leaders in their respective categories.
By analyzing price trends and trading volumes, investors can make informed decisions that maximize returns. However, it’s important to stay updated on market trends and global events that may affect asset performance.
As a data analyst passionate about helping companies and investors make informed decisions, I offer data-driven insights and actionable recommendations.
If you’re looking to enhance your investment strategies or want to understand market trends better, feel free to reach out for more in-depth analysis tailored to your needs.
Let’s navigate the market together!
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