So, 2025 was basically the tech bros’ victory lap (again). The S&P 500 strutted to a 16% return, powered by the usual suspects in Communication Services and Information Technology. But here’s the million-dollar question: Are we getting more of the same in 2026, or is Wall Street finally ready to diversify its crush?
FactSet just dropped some juicy intel after analyzing nearly 12,700 U.S. stocks, and honestly? The results are both predictable and slightly surprising. Turns out 57.5% of stocks are getting “Buy” ratings – the highest we’ve seen since February 2022. Translation: Analysts are feeling pretty optimistic, or at least pretending to be.
The Popular Kids Table
Surprise, surprise – Information Technology is still the prom queen with 67% Buy ratings. Energy snagged second place at 65% (thanks, oil prices), while Communication Services rounded out the top three at 64%. It’s like high school all over again, except with more money and fewer acne problems.
Meanwhile, Consumer Staples is sitting in the corner with only 44% Buy ratings, probably wondering why nobody wants to get excited about toilet paper and cereal anymore. Utilities isn’t doing much better at 48% – apparently, keeping the lights on isn’t as sexy as it used to be.
The Teacher’s Pets
Here’s where it gets interesting. Qnity Electronics (NYSE:Q) is the overachiever with a perfect 100% Buy rating. They make the tiny bits that go into semiconductor chips – basically the Lego blocks of the digital world. With a 23% upside potential, analysts think this stock has room to run.
The usual tech titans are also getting love: Microsoft (98% Buy), Amazon (96% Buy), and Meta (92% Buy). Because apparently, we can never have too much of Mark Zuckerberg in our portfolios.
The Detention Hall
On the flip side, some stocks are getting the cold shoulder. Expeditors International leads the “most likely to be sold” list with 44% Sell ratings. Garmin follows at 36% – turns out GPS devices aren’t as hot when everyone’s phone does the same thing better.
T. Rowe Price is having a particularly rough time with 33% Sell ratings and exactly zero Buy recommendations. Ouch. That’s like showing up to prom and having nobody ask you to dance.
The Reality Check
Before you start throwing money around based on analyst ratings, remember: these are the same people who thought everything was fine right before every major market crash. Do your homework, diversify your bets, and maybe don’t put all your eggs in the “whatever Silicon Valley is hyping this week” basket.
The smart money? It’s probably somewhere between the hype and the hate, finding value where others aren’t looking. Because while everyone’s fighting over the same tech darlings, there might just be some hidden gems waiting in the sectors everyone’s ignoring.