The performance snapshot of the 30 stocks comprising the Dow Jones Industrial Average reveals a dramatic divergence as of early 2026. While the index is historically a proxy for the stable U.S. economy, current data shows a total split: industrial, energy, and retail firms are enjoying extraordinary positive momentum, while tech and digital service providers in the index are suffering sharp declines. This trend indicates a comprehensive rotation of investor capital from growth assets into value and heavy industry.

Industrials and Energy Leading the Index

Year-to-date (YTD) performance ranks Caterpillar (CAT) as the index leader with a 35.14% surge. Other notable performers include Honeywell (HON) and Chevron (CVX), both up over 20%, with most of these companies currently trading in “Extreme Overbought” (Extreme OB) territory relative to their moving averages. The strong demand for these shares reflects renewed confidence in the U.S. manufacturing sectors but also raises concerns about potential near-term profit-taking.

The Technology Retreat Within the Dow

On the negative side of the index, 2026 is proving to be a highly challenging year for the technology firms included in the Dow 30. Salesforce (CRM) leads the losers with a 28.38% plunge, and Microsoft (MSFT) has shed approximately 17% of its value. Major companies like Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) are also showing negative YTD returns, with many falling to “Oversold” price levels, which may signal an entry point for value investors following the correction.

Financial and Consumer Staples Rotation

Within the 30-stock structure, there is also variation in the financial sector; while Goldman Sachs (GS) remains relatively stable with a slight gain, banks like JPMorgan (JPM) have retreated by 6.10%. Conversely, consumer staples and retail giants like Walmart (WMT) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) continue to show significant resilience with double-digit gains. It appears Dow investors are seeking refuge in stable, dividend-paying stocks while reducing exposure to companies more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and rapid tech growth.