Josh Brown and Sean Russo from Ritholtz Wealth Management assess the performance of stocks on their Best Stocks list as the fourth quarter of 2026 commences. They emphasize that the list is determined by market performance rather than personal votes, with stocks qualifying based on price and relative strength.
Intel (INTC) and Valero Energy (VLO) have both seen substantial gains, with Intel up 214% year-to-date and Valero up 142%. Intel has successfully pivoted towards data center processors and a foundry business, while Valero has benefited from a significant oil price shock due to geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply. Both companies have reset risk levels due to their impressive price increases.
Conversely, CRH and First Solar have been removed from the list due to their poor performance in a rising interest rate environment. The article also discusses the broader market context, including the 10-year Treasury yield reaching 5.24%, inflation concerns, and ongoing geopolitical issues, all of which could impact future stock performance.
As of October 5, there are 145 names on the Best Stocks list, indicating a diverse range of investment opportunities