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Stock ideas for 2026

After a volatile start to 2026, stocks have regained their momentum from last year, gaining roughly 1% year to date.1 Yet some trends from 2025 have reversed in the early going. Energy stocks, which underperformed the broad market last year, are up 11% in 2026, powering the market to record highs. Meanwhile, some of the top-performing sectors from 2025 are in the red amid some risk shakeout. Small caps (measured by the S&P SmallCap 600) have been outperforming large caps (measured by the S&P 500 Index) 6% to 1% and value stocks (measured by the S&P 500 Value) have edged out growth stocks (measured by the S&P 500 Growth Index) 2.2% to 1.8% year to date.

Some other trends have actually accelerated. International stocks (measured by the MSCI World ex USA Index) have been outpacing US stocks (measured by the S&P 500) 5.2% to 1.8% year to date. And gold, which skyrocketed more than 60% in 2025, recently surged to a record high above $5,600 per ounce and silver also soared to an all-time high above $121 per ounce before Thursday's haircut. That’s helped materials stocks rally roughly 8% year to date.

With these trends in mind, here are 4 preset screens from the Fidelity.com Stock Screener to consider.

Natural resources and industrials

Stocks in the real asset sectors—energy and materials—have jumped out to an early lead in 2026. Metals-related stocks such as miners started to show significant momentum at the end of 2025 as metal prices shined and the US government began taking major stakes in certain companies. Energy-related stocks have surged since the recent conflict in Venezuela.

If you are looking for these types of stocks, as well as companies that support these industries, you might consider utilizing a preset screen strategy in the Fidelity.com Stock Screener (login required). In the “Themes” filter, choose the Natural Resources and Industrials model.

This model features natural resource companies and companies that are engaged in manufacturing or processing of materials such as chemicals, plastics, paper and packaging, and metals and minerals as well as companies that manufacture and distribute goods in support of industries like construction and engineering, aerospace and defense, electrical equipment, and heavy machinery. Here are the first 10 results from this model, as of January 29, 2026:

  • Exxon Mobil ()
  • Chevron ()
  • GE Aerospace ()
  • Caterpillar ()
  • RTX ()
  • Linde ()
  • GE Vernova ()
  • Boeing ()
  • Uber ()
  • Honeywell ()

When using a screen such as this one, evaluate if the results are in line with what you might expect. If the output isn't generally what you expected and it doesn't align with your goals and risk tolerance, you may want to consider adjusting the filters or running a different screen.

Robotics and artificial intelligence

While energy and materials stocks are at the top of the leaderboard thus far this year, no part of the market has had more momentum in recent years than artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, tech and communication services have been the runaway sector winners for multiple years in a row, benefitting largely from the AI buildout—namely companies that produce graphics processing units, high-speed memory, and data centers.

If you are interested in exploring AI-related stocks as well as those in the evolving robotics industry, check out the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence model under the “Themes” filter.

This model features companies that are involved in the design, construction, operation and use of robots, and/or build artificial intelligence for platform and technology solutions. Here are the first 10 results from this model, as of January 29, 2026:

  • Google ()
  • Nvidia ()
  • Oracle ()
  • SAP ()
  • Broadcom ()
  • Taiwan Semiconductor ()
  • ServiceNow ()
  • Snowflake ()
  • Advanced Micro Devices ()
  • Intel ()

After you run a screen, you should evaluate the results and how they might impact your investment mix. For example, a consideration when adding individual stocks to your portfolio is concentration risk within a particular sector or industry. Most of these results are technology or communication services companies. You'd want to think about how adding any of these stocks might impact your overall investment mix and exposure to an individual sector.

International

One of the biggest investing trend shifts in 2025 was international stocks running ahead of US stocks. US stocks have outperformed international stocks for most of this century, including the 2 preceding years. That changed last year when the MSCI World ex USA nearly doubled the price return of the S&P 500, and that trend has continued during the first month of 2026.

If you are interest in exploring international stocks, visit the International model under the “Themes” filter. Stocks in this model provide exposure to non-US stocks that seek to outperform the MSCI EAFE over a full market cycle. Here are the top 10 results, as of January 29, 2026:

  • Banco Santander ()
  • Hitachi ()
  • Shell ()
  • ASML ()
  • UniCredit ()
  • Allianz ()
  • AstraZeneca ()
  • SAP ()
  • Rolls Royce ()
  • Lloyds Banking ()

With an international screen such as this one, you’ll want to fully understand the unique characteristics and risks of foreign companies. You’ll want to ensure that opportunities like these are appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.

Dividend income

Regardless of market trends, many investors continuously look for sources of income. If you are as well, check out the Dividend Income model under the “Themes” filter. This filter shows stocks with either historically consistent track records of relatively strong dividend payments or those expected to pay dividends in the future. Here are the top 10 holdings, as of January 29, 2026:

  • Wells Fargo ()
  • Exxon Mobil ()
  • Microsoft ()
  • Bank of America ()
  • Shell ()
  • Imperial Oil ()
  • GSK ()
  • Taiwan Semiconductor ()
  • Coca-Cola ()
  • Apple ()

It’s important to realize that, even with income-focused investments, sources of income can be subject to change. Companies can adjust their dividends at any time (or stop paying them), and any income received could be offset by capital losses. Be sure to fully research factors other than income before considering such an investment.

Stock screen tips

Some screening criteria may be more relevant for certain sectors, industries, and companies. With experience, you can adjust filters to set up screens that produce the type of results you may be looking for. You can also look at preset expert screens if you’d like to see how filters can be set up.

Regardless of your screening approach, more research is needed to determine if any screen result is right for you. You should fully understand the risks involved, and each investing opportunity should be considered within the context of a well-diversified investment strategy that conforms to your specific time horizon, objectives, and risk parameters.

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Stock markets are volatile and can fluctuate significantly in response to company, industry, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Investing in stock involves risks, including the loss of principal. Foreign markets can be more volatile than U.S. markets due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, market, or economic developments, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. These risks are particularly significant for investments that focus on a single country or region. 1. All data is sourced to FactSet, as of January 29, 2026. Indexes are unmanaged. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

Growth stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks, and can be more volatile than other types of stocks.

Value stocks can perform differently from other types of stocks, and can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time.

The S&P 500® Index is a market capitalization–weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent U.S. equity performance. S&P and S&P 500 are registered service marks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC. You cannot invest directly in an index. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index seeks to measure the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. The S&P 500 Value measures constituents from the S&P 500 that are classified as value stocks based on the ratios of book value, earnings, and sales to price. The S&P 500 Growth measures constituents from the S&P 500 that are classified as growth stocks based on sales growth, the ratio of earnings change to price, and momentum. The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid cap representation across Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the US) and Emerging Markets (EM) countries. The index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the US. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Fidelity stock screener is a research tool provided to help self-directed investors evaluate these types of securities. The criteria and inputs entered are at the sole discretion of the user, and all screens or strategies with preselected criteria (including expert ones) are solely for the convenience of the user. Expert Screeners are provided by independent companies not affiliated with Fidelity. Information supplied or obtained from these Screeners is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or guidance, an offer of or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, or a recommendation or endorsement by Fidelity of any security or investment strategy. Fidelity does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy or approach to screening or evaluating stocks, preferred securities, exchange-traded products, or closed-end funds. Fidelity makes no guarantees that information supplied is accurate, complete, or timely, and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. Determine which securities are right for you based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial situation, and other individual factors, and reevaluate them on a periodic basis. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE,  SIPC , 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 1246112.1.0