The S&P 500's leaderboard for 2024 features some surprising names and familiar heavyweights. At the top sits NRG Energy Inc NRG, scorching ahead with over 70% gain year-to-date, fueled by a rally in power demand and clean energy transitions. Hot on its heels is heavyweight Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR, posting a strong 64% YTD surge, making it the only stock from Cathie Wood's ARK Invest universe to crack the S&P 500's top-performing list.Other solid performers include Howmet Aerospace Inc HWM (+49% YTD), ...