CoinMeta data: COVID vaccine manufacturer Moderna ( MRNA ) performed the best among the S&P 500 in 2026, with its stock price rising by 663%, closing at $225 on Friday. The stock's increase was due to positive progress in a cancer vaccine trial, although the detailed results have not yet been announced. On August 19th, Moderna and Merck announced success in the final phase of trials for their experimental cancer vaccine in patients with skin cancer. Despite a significant decline in COVID vaccine sales, Moderna is still experiencing a recovery, with its stock price rising by 8% on Friday and re-entering the Nasdaq 100 index. Investors expect to receive more data at the major cancer conference on October 24th.