The stock market experienced a robust first half of 2026, with the S&P 500 achieving a 9.6% increase, including a nearly 15% rise in the second quarter, its best quarterly performance since 2020.
Despite this growth, UBS suggests that investors should incorporate low volatility stocks to stabilize their portfolios amid market fluctuations, particularly given recent geopolitical tensions and shifts in investor focus away from technology stocks.
Jonathan Carson, a sector specialist at UBS, noted that as capital has increasingly concentrated in AI-driven sectors, low volatility stocks have lagged, leading to attractive valuations. UBS's analysis identified several high-quality companies with resilient fundamentals, primarily in the industrials and healthcare sectors, many of which also offer dividends.
Among the highlighted stocks are Yum Brands, which is expected to see its cash flow return on investment peak by 2027 as it divests Pizza Hut and expands Taco Bell internationally; Lockheed Martin, which is anticipated to report strong second-quarter earnings and has a significant defense contract that could enhance its growth outlook; and McDonald's, which, despite facing some macroeconomic challenges, is viewed as well-positioned for market share gains and stable earnings.
Other companies on UBS's list include Eli Lilly & Co., Stryker, Charles Schwab, Medtronic, and Keurig Dr Pepper, all of which are considered to have limited volatility and attractive valuations relative to their historical performance