Based on recent analyses and expert recommendations, several stocks are highlighted as strong candidates for investment in 2026 across various sectors.
In the technology and AI space, NVIDIA (NVDA) is frequently cited as a top pick due to its dominant position in AI hardware, consistent earnings growth, and upcoming GPU innovations like the Vera Rubin architecture. Alphabet (GOOGL) and Amazon (AMZN) are also recommended for their leadership in digital advertising and cloud computing, respectively, with Alphabet benefiting from AI-driven ad services and Amazon leveraging AI to enhance e-commerce and AWS operations. Meta Platforms (META) and Apple (AAPL) are noted for their potential in AI integration, with Meta's social media ecosystem and Apple's upcoming Apple Intelligence features expected to drive future growth.
Financial and value stocks are also emphasized. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is highlighted for its strong earnings visibility and resilience in the financial sector. American Express (AXP) and Walmart (WMT) are considered value plays, with AXP appealing due to its affluent customer base and new rewards programs, and Walmart benefiting from its discount retail model amid inflationary pressures. Chevron (CVX) and GE Vernova (GEV) are also mentioned as top performers in energy and industrial sectors, with strong earnings and growth potential.
Growth-oriented and emerging market stocks include MercadoLibre (MELI), which is praised for its expanding e-commerce and fintech presence in Latin America , and SoFi Technologies (SOFI), recognized for its rapid growth in digital banking and expanding product offerings. Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is highlighted for its critical role in AI-driven chip manufacturing and its recent U.S. facility expansion, reducing geopolitical risks.
Other notable mentions include Lemonade (LMND) for its AI-driven insurance model showing improving profitability, Eli Lilly (LLY) for its leadership in the weight loss drug market with potential new product approvals, and Moderna (MRNA) as a recovery story with a promising vaccine pipeline. DoorDash (DASH) is also included in J.P. Morgan’s top picks for internet stocks, reflecting its strong position in food delivery and potential for growth.
Additionally, stocks with high insider ownership and strong earnings growth, such as Bitdeer Technologies (BTDR), Prairie Operating (PROP), and Niu Technologies (NIU), are considered promising for 2026 due to their high insider stakes and projected earnings increases.
What are the best guys going into next year?
I’m heavy on ai infrastructure: currently have CRWV+APLD. Should I switch to NBIS and/or IREN?
Videos
I thought this list was very interesting for 2026 by JPM. Only one of the MAG7 made the list, but AVGO is in the trillion dollar club. I own only 12 of these names with recent additions of SBUX and CRM, expecting big turnarounds next year. Price targets for some of them are a little odd, projecting only very small growth in 2026. For example XOM is already at $120 and the JPM's target is only $124. Really, does this made it a top stock pick? Regardless, this is a pretty diverse list with a bunch of energy and healthcare stocks (which is nice to see).
Anyway, would like to hear your thoughts on what you agree or disagree with. The start of a new year is always exciting and a good time for fresh ideas.
The top picks, all rated Overweight, with price targets:
Allstate (ALL) OW $260.00
Alphabet (GOOG) OW $385.00
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) OW $385.00
Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD) OW $19.00
Arista (ANET) OW $175.00
AT&T (T) OW $33.00
AutoZone, Inc. (AZO) OW $4,100.00
Avery Dennison (AVY) OW $195.00
Boeing Company (BA) OW $240.00
Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) OW $135.00
Bright Horizons (BFAM) OW $160.00
Broadcom Inc (AVGO) OW $475.00
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP.TO) OW C$124.00
Carvana (CVNA) OW $490.00
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) OW $730.00
CBRE Group, Inc (CBRE) OW $196.00
Celsius Holdings (CELH) OW $68.00
Charles Schwab (SCHW) OW $121.00
Citigroup Inc. (C) OW $124.00
Commercial Metals Company (CMC) OW $78.00
CRH Plc (CRH) OW $135.00
CVS Health (CVS) OW $101.00
Dana Inc (DAN) OW $28.00
Devon Energy (DVN) OW $44.00
Digital Realty Trust (DLR) OW $210.00
Disney (DIS) OW $138.00
DraftKings Inc. (DKNG) OW $42.00
Eli Lilly & Company (LLY) OW $1,150.00
Entergy Corp. (ETR) OW $108.00
Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) OW $124.00
GE Vernova (GEV) OW $1,000.00
Globe Life Inc (GL) OW $180.00
Guidewire Software (GWRE) OW $300.00
KLA Corporation (KLAC) OW $1,485.00
LendingClub Corp (LC) OW $25.00
McCormick & Co., Inc. (MKC) OW $79.00
Mohawk Industries (MHK) OW $152.00
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) OW $235.00
PPG Industries (PPG) OW $117.00
Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) OW $430.00
Revolution Medicines (RVMD) OW $92.00
Roku (ROKU) OW $125.00
Salesforce Inc (CRM) OW $365.00
SLB (SLB) OW $43.00
Starbucks (SBUX) OW $95.00
Synopsys Inc (SNPS) OW $650.00
The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) OW $73.00
Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) OW $675.00
TPG RE Finance Trust (TRTX) OW $10.50
TransUnion (TRU) OW $107.00
United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL) OW $156.00
Valley National Bancorp (VLY) OW $14.50
Valmont Industries (VMI) OW $480.00
Vertiv (VRT) OW $230.00
Viking Holdings (VIK) OW $74.00
Visa Inc. (V) OW $430.00
Xenon Pharmaceuticals (XENE) OW $60.00
I’ll be honest, my portfolio blew up over the last couple years mostly due to poor trading decisions and trying to time the market. I’ve stepped away from day trading and options for now, and I’m working on building a more stable, long-term portfolio from scratch.
This time I’m focusing on growth stocks that have a shot at outperforming the S&P or broader ETFs. So far, I’m looking at names like PAAS, SOFI, GOOGL, AMZN, and RIVN. I’m also considering something like XEQT as a diversified base layer to balance out the risk.
What are your top 3 stock ideas 2026?
Mine is Unite Group, UiPath and Frontier Developments.
I’m working on building a more focused stock watchlist for 2026 and would love to hear detailed input from people who follow individual names and sectors closely.
A few things I’m especially interested in:
Which specific stocks are you most bullish on for 2026, and what key catalysts are you watching (earnings growth, AI adoption, new products, regulatory tailwinds, etc.)?
Do you see more opportunity in large-cap “quality” names (big tech, financials, healthcare) or in smaller, higher-risk growth plays? Why?
How much of your 2026 thesis is macro-driven (rates, inflation, recession/soft landing) versus company-specific fundamentals?
For AI/tech picks specifically, what gives your favorites a durable edge versus competitors (moat, data, ecosystem, cost advantage)?
If you’re willing, please share your answer in this format so it’s easier for everyone to read and research:
Ticker:
Sector/Theme: (e.g., AI, semis, financials, healthcare, energy, etc.)
Time horizon: (Are you thinking mainly about 2026, or 2026 and beyond?)
Investment thesis (3–5 sentences): Why this stock over others in the same space? What needs to go right? What are the main risks?
Position sizing / conviction level: Is this a small speculative bet or a core holding for you?