Dow's blue-chip index records highest closing for the year, marking a milestone in its history

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) reached a record close of 45,631.74 points on Friday, marking its 13th consecutive year with at least one all-time peak. This surpasses the previous record streak of 12 years from 1989-2000.

The Dow's previous record close was on December 4, 2024, at 45,014.04 points.

Among the 30 components of the Dow, several tech giants have shown significant growth this year. Microsoft (MSFT) has a YTD increase of 20.3%, Goldman Sachs (GS) has a YTD increase of 29.6%, and Boeing (BA) has a YTD increase of 30%.

Nvidia (NVDA) has a year-to-date (YTD) increase of 32.5%, while Cisco (CSCO) has a YTD increase of 13.7%. The iShares Dow Jones Global Titans 50 ETF delivered significant value growth, driven by major US tech companies.

The iShares Dow Jones Industrial Average UCITS ETF USD (Acc) is noted as the best-performing Dow Jones-tracking fund in terms of cost-efficiency and growth potential for 2025, with the Lyxor Dow Jones Industrial Average UCITS ETF D also showing strong performance.

However, not all components of the Dow have fared as well. Six of the Dow's 30 components are in the red this year: UnitedHealth (UNH), Salesforce (CRM), Merck (MRK), Apple (AAPL), Procter & Gamble (PG), and Honeywell (HON). Apple has experienced a decrease of 9.1% this year, while Honeywell has experienced a decrease of 1.4%.

Other companies, such as IBM (IBM) and Procter & Gamble, have seen decreases of 10.1% and 5.4% respectively.

On the positive side, Walmart (WMT) has a YTD increase of 7.2%, McDonald's (MCD) has a YTD increase of 8.3%, Coca-Cola (KO) has a YTD increase of 12.6%, and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has a YTD increase of 24%.

Caterpillar (CAT) has a YTD increase of 20.1%, Verizon (VZ) has a YTD increase of 11.1%, and Nike (NKE) has a YTD increase of 3.6%. Home Depot (HD) has a YTD increase of 6.1%, and American Express (AXP) has a YTD increase of 7.5%.

3M (MMM) has a YTD increase of 23%, and Walt Disney (DIS) has a YTD increase of 6.7%.

There are several exchange-traded funds that track the Dow, including (NYSEARCA:DIA), (NYSEARCA:DDM), (NYSEARCA:UDOW), (NYSEARCA:DOG), (NYSEARCA:DXD), and (NYSEARCA:SDOW).

Salesforce has seen a decrease of 25.7% this year, and Amgen (AMGN) has a YTD increase of 12.7%. Visa (V) has a YTD increase of 10.8%.

Chevron (CVX) has a YTD increase of 9.2%.

As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to unfold and which companies will continue to lead the way in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.