So, 2025 was basically the tech bros’ victory lap again. The S&P 500 strutted to a 16% return, powered by the usual suspects: tech and communication services. But here’s the million-dollar question everyone’s asking as we dive into 2026: Is this party still going?
Well, Wall Street analysts just dropped their report cards, and spoiler alert – they’re still pretty bullish. FactSet crunched the numbers on nearly 12,700 U.S. stocks, and guess what? A whopping 57.5% got “Buy” ratings. That’s the highest we’ve seen since February 2022, which feels like a lifetime ago in market years.
The Popular Kids Table
If sectors were high school cliques, these three would definitely be sitting at the cool table:
Information Technology (67% Buy ratings): Still the prom king. Because apparently, we can never have enough AI, chips, and whatever Elon’s cooking up next.
Energy (65% Buy ratings): The comeback kid. Remember when everyone thought oil was dead? Yeah, about that…
Communication Services (64% Buy ratings): Your Netflix, Meta, and Google overlords aren’t going anywhere.
The Stocks Everyone’s Crushing On
Want to know who’s got perfect attendance in the “Buy” category? Qnity Electronics scored a flawless 100% Buy rating. They make the guts for semiconductor chips – basically the unsung heroes making your phone not suck.
The rest of the honor roll reads like a “Who’s Who” of your portfolio: Microsoft (98% Buy), Amazon (96% Buy), and Meta (92% Buy). Shocking, I know.
The Stocks in Detention
On the flip side, some companies are getting the cold shoulder. Expeditors International leads the “Most Likely to Get Dumped” list with 44% Sell ratings. Garmin and Franklin Resources aren’t far behind.
Here’s the thing though – these aren’t necessarily bad companies. Sometimes Wall Street just falls out of love faster than a reality TV romance.
The Reality Check
Before you go YOLO-ing your rent money, remember: analyst ratings are like weather forecasts – useful, but don’t plan your wedding around them. They’re often more about short-term vibes than long-term wealth building.
The smart money? Do your homework. These ratings are a starting point, not a finish line. And maybe, just maybe, don’t put all your eggs in the same basket that’s been winning for three years straight.
Because if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that the market loves a good plot twist.