In the highly uncertain economic environment of 2024, characterised by higher-for-longer interest rates and inflation, were ASX 200 large-cap shares a reliable safe haven for investors?

The large caps are often less volatile in price movement and typically pay strong and reliable dividends.

This is because they are big blue-chip companies with greater capacity to weather economic upsets.

The large caps have a minimum market capitalisation of $10 billion.

At the time of writing, there are 49 large caps in the ASX 200.

Let's take a look at which ASX 200 large-cap shares outperformed their peers in terms of share price growth last year.

Which ASX 200 large-cap shares outperformed in 2024?

For comparison purposes, keep in mind that the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose by 7.49% in 2024 and delivered total gross returns, including dividends, of 11.44%.

Here are the top 16 ASX 200 large-cap shares for stock price growth last year.

Why did Pro Medicus shares rise the most?

The share price of this medical imaging technology company climbed 161% to $250.12 by 31 December.

Pro Medicus reported strong sales and earnings growth last year.

Revenue increased 29.3% to $161.5 million in FY24, largely due to increased sales in North America. The company's underlying EBIT margin lifted to 69.5% from 67.2% in FY23.

Underlying profit before tax rose by 35.3% to $116.5 million. Net profit increased by 36.5% to $82.8 million.

The company attracted various large new customers for its industry-leading Visage platform.

One of its new contract wins in 2024 was a 10-year $330 million deal with Trinity Health.

Despite the 161% surge in the Pro Medicus share price, Goldman Sachs still sees value for buyers today.

The top broker has a buy rating on the stock with a 12-month price target of $278.

The broker said: "PME is not cheap, trading on 114x FY26E EV/EBITDA, but we highlight its revenue/margin outlook, unique cloud offering, and significant long-term opportunity."