Stock selections: the best picks by region and sector

The communication services sector continues to play a foundational role in a rapidly evolving digital economy, encompassing everything from broadband infrastructure to global advertising networks. Companies in this space benefit from the growing demand for media consumption, reliable connectivity, and personalized content delivery, making them attractive picks for forward-thinking investors. NTG Clarity Networks specializes in advanced network visibility and analytics solutions, helping telecommunications service providers and enterprise customers optimize network performance and reduce operational costs through innovative software intelligence. InterDigital operates as a leading wireless technology research and development company, generating revenue through intellectual property licensing of its comprehensive patent portfolios covering 2G through 5G and emerging wireless technologies. Reddit operates a leading social media and online community platform connecting millions of users through topic-based communities where they create, share, and discuss content across thousands of specialized forums. These communication services companies not only demonstrate strong fundamentals and adaptable business models, but they also offer significant potential for capital appreciation over time. If you're looking to tap into the future of media and connectivity, consider these best communication services stocks for 2026.

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Cloud computing continues to reshape the digital economy, powering everything from enterprise software to artificial intelligence. Investors looking for growth, scalability, and recurring revenue should consider leading companies in the cloud space. Arista Networks specializes in high-performance cloud networking solutions, delivering scalable switches, routers, and software-defined networking for hyperscale cloud providers and enterprises. Google provides scalable cloud services across Compute, Storage, and AI platforms, enabling enterprises to modernize applications and harness advanced machine learning capabilities. Oracle provides comprehensive enterprise software and cloud infrastructure solutions, leveraging its pioneering database management systems and integrated cloud platforms for global businesses. These companies represent a broad spectrum of cloud providers – from infrastructure and platforms to SaaS leaders and niche specialists. For long-term exposure to digital transformation and cloud-driven innovation, these are among the best cloud stocks to invest in 2026.

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Brokerage firms continue to benefit from growing retail participation, digital trading adoption, and global capital market expansion. As financial technology advances and investing becomes more accessible, broker stocks remain attractive picks for long-term portfolios. Swissquote leads European online banking and trading with innovative digital platforms and comprehensive financial services across multiple markets. XTB dominates the European CFD and forex trading space with user-friendly platforms and strong regulatory compliance across key jurisdictions. Interactive Brokers stands out with its global reach, low-cost structure, and sophisticated platform favored by institutional and professional traders worldwide. These companies span traditional and digital-first platforms, offering access to equities, options, FX, and more. For investors seeking exposure to the evolving landscape of trading and financial services, these are among the best brokers stocks to invest in 2026.

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The beauty industry continues to thrive as consumers prioritize skincare, cosmetics, and personal care across all demographics. Large-cap and niche players alike are capitalizing on innovation, e-commerce growth, and shifting global trends. e.l.f. Beauty provides affordable, high-quality cosmetics and strong digital marketing strategy to consumers seeking accessible beauty solutions. Hermès International operates as a distinguished luxury goods manufacturer renowned for high-quality craftsmanship and exclusive products worldwide. Compagnie Financière Richemont serves as one of the world's leading luxury goods groups, headquartered in Geneva with a portfolio of prestigious jewelry and watch brands. These companies exemplify resilience, adaptability, and brand loyalty within the beauty sector. For investors looking to tap into consumer demand and long-term growth, these are the best beauty stocks to invest in 2026.

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The basic materials sector provides essential raw materials and processed goods that fuel global infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing operations. Companies with strong operational capabilities and strategic resource positions are best positioned to capitalize on rising commodity demand. Idaho Strategic Resources develops critical mineral projects including rare earth elements and strategic metals essential for technology and defense applications across North America. Carpenter Technology produces specialty alloys and engineered products for aerospace, defense, energy, and medical applications requiring high-performance materials and precision manufacturing. Genesis Minerals operates gold mining projects in Western Australia, leveraging advanced extraction technologies and strategic partnerships to maximize resource recovery and operational efficiency. These companies represent diverse segments within basic materials, from strategic minerals to specialty metals and precious metals extraction. For 2026, these stocks offer investors exposure to essential commodity markets, industrial growth drivers, and long-term value creation opportunities.

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The automotive industry continues to evolve through technological innovation, changing consumer preferences, and global supply chain transformations. Leading companies in this sector demonstrate resilience through diversified operations and strategic market positioning. O'Reilly Automotive supplies aftermarket parts and tools to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers through an extensive store network. Penske Automotive Group operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships globally, providing vehicle sales, service, and financing solutions. AutoZone retails automotive replacement parts and accessories, serving both professional mechanics and individual vehicle owners across the Americas. These automotive leaders represent diverse segments from aftermarket retail to luxury manufacturing, demonstrating strong fundamentals and growth potential. For 2026, these companies offer investors exposure to automotive innovation, steady cash flows, and long-term value creation opportunities.

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Artificial intelligence has reached an inflection point, with enterprise adoption accelerating and AI infrastructure becoming mission-critical for businesses worldwide. The companies powering this transformation are delivering exceptional growth through advanced semiconductors, cloud platforms, and enterprise AI solutions. Nvidia continues to dominate AI computing with its H100 and next-generation GPU architectures that power the world's largest AI training and inference workloads. AppLovin leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize mobile advertising and user acquisition, creating powerful network effects in the mobile app economy. Innodata specializes in AI training data services and advanced data engineering, positioning the company at the center of the artificial intelligence revolution. As we enter 2026, these AI leaders represent the backbone of the digital economy's next phase. From semiconductor innovation to cloud infrastructure and enterprise software, these stocks offer investors direct exposure to the technologies reshaping industries and driving unprecedented productivity gains.

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Highly profitable companies often enjoy pricing power, efficient operations, and strong returns on capital, which help them stand out in any market environment. The most profitable stocks combine innovation, financial discipline, and sustainable competitive advantages to deliver consistent and impressive earnings growth. Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services and supply chain solutions to companies across telecommunications, aerospace, and industrial sectors worldwide. Rheinmetall manufactures advanced defense systems and automotive technologies, serving as one of Europe's leading defense contractors with comprehensive military solutions. Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical contracting services specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for commercial and industrial clients nationwide. These companies, along with other leaders in sectors from manufacturing to technology, have consistently generated solid profits and demonstrated resilience through changing market cycles. They represent some of the most compelling investment opportunities for 2026.

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Long-term investing is all about identifying resilient businesses with strong fundamentals, enduring demand, and the ability to grow through market cycles. The best stocks to hold forever often share traits like consistent earnings, industry leadership, and a proven track record of rewarding shareholders. McKesson delivers pharmaceuticals and medical products to thousands of locations, supporting both independent healthcare providers and large-scale institutions with advanced data analytics and supply chain solutions. Cencora leverages data-driven insights and advanced logistics to enhance supply chain efficiency and improve patient outcomes through comprehensive pharmaceutical distribution services. Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical contracting services specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for commercial and industrial clients nationwide. These stocks span sectors such as industrials, technology, and manufacturing – yet all share a long-term value creation mindset. In 2026, these companies continue to demonstrate they can perform through economic cycles and deliver shareholder value.

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European technology companies represent a unique blend of defense innovation, smart home solutions, and advanced sensor technologies that drive critical infrastructure worldwide. What makes these European technology pioneers particularly compelling for investors seeking specialized tech exposure? B2 Impact provides cloud-based software solutions that enable organizations to measure, manage, and report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and sustainability initiatives. ASML specializes in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology essential for producing the most advanced semiconductor nodes used in microchip production. SAP provides enterprise resource planning and cloud computing solutions to organizations worldwide, helping businesses manage their operations and customer relationships. These European technology leaders combine operational excellence with strategic positioning in defense, smart home, and sensor technology markets, making them attractive investment opportunities as specialized technology sectors continue evolving in 2026. Their established expertise and adaptation to changing technological landscapes position them well for sustained growth and innovation.

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