Stock selections: the best picks by region and sector - page 2

Energy powers global industry and everyday life while evolving toward cleaner generation. The best energy stocks pair durable cash flows with disciplined investment in modern infrastructure and renewables. Zedcor provides mobile surveillance and security technology for energy sites, combining video monitoring and services that improve safety, reduce losses, and support operations. Vista Energy develops and produces hydrocarbons across Latin America, focusing on efficient operations and scalable growth in resource‑rich basins. Valeura Energy explores and produces oil and gas, leveraging disciplined capital and partnerships to expand reserves and deliver efficient, scalable production across key regions. In 2026, leading energy names offer diversified exposure across upstream, midstream, and nuclear power. They combine operational discipline and strategic investment to pursue long‑term shareholder value.

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Education technology and online learning continue to transform how people develop skills and gain knowledge across the globe. The best education stocks combine innovative platforms, strong student demand, and scalable business models to deliver sustainable growth and value creation. Laureate Education operates universities and higher education institutions across Latin America, capitalizing on growing demand for quality education in emerging markets. Universal Technical Institute provides specialized technical education training for automotive technicians and skilled trades, benefiting from persistent workforce shortages. Lincoln Educational Services delivers career-oriented vocational training across healthcare, automotive, and information technology sectors with strong enrollment growth. These education leaders offer compelling exposure to structural trends driving demand for career-focused training, online learning, and skills development. As organizations and individuals invest in learning and development, these are among the best education stocks to consider for 2026.

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E-commerce continues to reshape global retail, accelerating the shift from physical stores to digital-first experiences across categories and geographies. The best e-commerce companies combine scale, logistics excellence, and powerful software ecosystems to drive durable growth and cash generation. Walmart operates a global omnichannel retail network, integrating grocery, general merchandise, and marketplace capabilities with technology-enabled fulfillment and nationwide last‑mile logistics. NEXT designs and retails apparel through stores and online, leveraging brand strength, flexible inventory management, and a robust platform for UK and international customers. The eBay marketplace enables consumer and business transactions on a trusted platform, providing seller tools, protections, and discovery across refurbished electronics, collectibles, motors, and general goods. In 2026, these e-commerce leaders and enabling platforms represent diversified exposure to digital commerce growth. They combine technology, operating leverage, and disciplined execution to pursue long-term shareholder value.

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The global defense sector continues to gain strength as geopolitical tensions, rising military budgets, and evolving technologies fuel long-term investment appeal. From advanced aerospace systems to AI-powered surveillance and drone solutions, defense stocks are becoming a strategic cornerstone in diversified portfolios. Next Vision Stabilized Systems is gaining traction with advanced stabilized imaging and electro‑optical solutions for drones and defense platforms, providing critical surveillance capabilities to military and security customers worldwide. DroneShield specializes in counter‑unmanned aerial system technology and electronic warfare, integrating RF sensing, AI, and sensor fusion to detect and defeat unauthorized drones across complex operational environments. Rheinmetall stands out for its dominant position in European land systems and ammunition supply, delivering proven armored vehicles and munitions that support NATO readiness and long‑term modernization programs. With governments prioritizing modernization and autonomous defense capabilities, 2026 is an ideal time to invest in this sector. These stocks offer both resilience in uncertain times and exposure to advanced technologies shaping the future of global security.

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As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent, organizations are prioritizing advanced digital defense systems, creating long-term opportunities for cybersecurity leaders. The most promising cybersecurity stocks combine innovation, scale, and a track record of effectively neutralizing threats across industries. Palo Alto Networks provides an integrated platform that secures cloud workloads, endpoints, and networks with advanced threat prevention and unified zero‑trust controls. CyberArk secures privileged accounts and credentials, delivering identity security, secret management, and risk detection to protect critical enterprise systems. Fortinet delivers network and cloud security at scale, integrating firewalls, secure SD‑WAN, and AI‑driven threat protection across its global platform. These companies are not just defending digital infrastructure – they're shaping the future of how global enterprises secure their operations, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity in an increasingly interconnected world. For investors seeking exposure to high-growth technology segments that are becoming indispensable to modern society, these are among the best cybersecurity stocks to invest in 2026.

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The consulting sector continues to thrive as organizations navigate digital transformation, regulatory complexity, and strategic change. The best consulting stocks combine deep industry expertise with innovative service delivery to drive long-term client value and sustainable growth. Huron Consulting delivers digital transformation, finance, and operational strategy services to global enterprises and government clients worldwide. Norconsult provides engineering, environmental, and management consulting services specializing in infrastructure and development projects across Europe and beyond. CBIZ offers financial advisory, accounting, tax, and management consulting services to small and middle-market businesses and institutions globally. These consulting leaders leverage deep expertise, strong client relationships, and innovative solutions to capture growing demand for advisory services. As businesses increasingly invest in transformation and risk mitigation, these are among the best consulting stocks for 2026.

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The construction industry continues to evolve with rising infrastructure investments, sustainable building trends, and digitization reshaping how projects are executed. The best construction stocks combine operational excellence with specialized services and long-term growth potential. Atrem SA is a Polish construction and engineering company specializing in industrial construction, power plant installations, and infrastructure projects across Poland and international markets. Comfort Systems USA provides mechanical contracting services including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems for commercial and industrial clients, operating through a nationwide network of subsidiaries. Sterling Infrastructure specializes in civil construction and infrastructure development services, delivering high-quality transportation, e-commerce, renewable energy, and water infrastructure projects across the United States. These companies span heavy construction, engineering, infrastructure, and specialty contracting, giving investors exposure to multiple high-demand sectors. If you're seeking durable, diversified plays in industrial growth, these are among the best construction stocks for 2026.

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Conglomerates bring diversified revenue streams across industries, pairing defensive cash flows with strategic growth initiatives. These companies blend disciplined capital allocation with operational scale to create resilient performance through cycles. RCM Technologies provides comprehensive engineering, IT, and professional services to industrial, energy, and healthcare clients worldwide. Google delivers global technology services including search engines, cloud computing, and digital advertising solutions. Loews Corporation operates diversified holdings spanning insurance, energy, and hospitality sectors with strategic market positioning. In 2026, diversified conglomerates offer balanced exposure to multiple sectors while mitigating single-industry risk. Explore our analysis to see how these companies can compound value through portfolio breadth, modernization, and disciplined execution.

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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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