Dan Schmidt, Author at Benzinga https://www.benzinga.com/money/author/danschmidt Podcasts Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/12155024/V5-Rounded-Border-Green_adobespark-96x96.png Dan Schmidt, Author at Benzinga https://www.benzinga.com/money/author/danschmidt 32 32 Best Oil Stocks Right Now https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-oil-stocks Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 http://find.benzinga.com/?page_id=22101 The post Best Oil Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Oil has made headlines during this coronavirus crisis, although not for reasons investors want to see. In addition to issues caused by international events, especially those that impede the safe transport of natural resources. Even in a perfect work, this sector can be quite volatile as supply and demand are constantly shifting. That’s why it’s … Continued

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]]> The post Best Oil Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Oil has made headlines during this coronavirus crisis, although not for reasons investors want to see. In addition to issues caused by international events, especially those that impede the safe transport of natural resources. Even in a perfect work, this sector can be quite volatile as supply and demand are constantly shifting. That’s why it’s important to learn all you can about oil assets, how they can impact your portfolio and the manner in which petroleum maintains hold on the financial sector.

Despite any problems that might arise, remember that the oil market tends to be a safe place to hold assets for long periods of time. There is quite a lot of growth potential in this sector, and you should keep your eye on the oil industry even as renewable energy becomes a powerful force worldwide.

Quick Look at the Best Oil Stocks:

Table of contents [Show]

Overview: Oil Stocks

Oil companies like ExxonMobil and BP are some of the oldest and largest publicly-traded firms in the petroleum industry, but there are many more with which you must contend as they handle crude oil and a range of petroleum products.

Despite environmental headwinds, the oil and gas industry is still a multi-trillion dollar business composed of several different subsectors and business models, despite popular assumptions about both the price of oil and the function of the industry. Oil companies are split into 3 distinct groups based on where they function in the pipeline. The 3 different groups are:

  • Upstream: Companies in the upstream subsector are involved in finding oil and pulling it out of the earth. Upstream companies search the globe for new oil reservoirs and assemble drill sites for extraction. Yes, the oil they retrieve could become fuel or some other petroleum product, but they generally make money from retrieval via drilling on an oil rig or fracking in gas field—not sales. Upstream companies often face significant financial hurdles since drilling and mining equipment is cumbersome and expensive. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY) and Whiting Petroleum (NYSE: WLL) are upstream firms that recently suffered severe debt issues.
  • Midstream: Midstream companies are transportation and storage firms. At this part of the process, the raw product needs to be treated, stored and shipped to suppliers. Companies that run pipelines or own oil tankers are often referred to as midstream since they bridge the gap between the drillers and the companies refining and selling the product to the public. For example, a midstream firm brings gas products to the gas company or oil products to the refinery, etc.
  • Downstream: Finally, we have the refiners and suppliers. Downstream companies remove imperfections from the raw product and turn it into engine oil, gasoline, heating oil, etc. Many downstream companies also have operations in the midstream sector as well, allowing them to hold the inventory they ship. In some cases, crude oil production can lead to a transportation network and retail system.

Many of the largest oil companies like ExxonMobil are known as integrated oil producers since they have branches involved in upstream, midstream and downstream operations, meaning that their stock price can be impacted by OPEC restrictions, current events everywhere from Oklahoma to South America and the Middle East and/or the rise and decline of demand (for example, the summer travel season in America.) When buying oil companies, be sure to understand what sector of the industry they reside in. Plus, the sector of the industry where the company works changes the way they operate and adjust to market shifts. For example, a smaller downstream company might have more room to adjust to a shifting market where a larger midstream company might not. Carefully considering your options and monitoring their performance is the best way to keep your portfolio in good condition.

Best Online Brokers for Oil Stocks

Before investing in any oil stocks, you need to find the right brokerage account for your investments, even if you have your finger on the pulse of crude oil prices. Most major online discount brokers have access to the oil company shares you’re looking for (along with other firms in the energy sector), but beware of fees and commissions. Almost all brokers are commission-free for stocks and ETFs now, and most require no minimums to open an account. Paying a flat fee on every trade is a thing of the past — if your current broker isn’t commission-free, consider finding a new one.

Claim Exclusive Offers

Interactive Brokers
get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
More Details
Best For
Active and Global Traders
N/A
1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For
  • Access to international markets
  • Active traders
  • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
  • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
Pros
  • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
  • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
  • Industry’s lowest margin rates
  • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
Cons
  • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
Plus500
get started securely through Plus500’s website
More Details
Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
Best For
Leveraged Trading
N/A
1 Minute Review

80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For
  • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
Pros
  • Great mobile app
  • Low spreads and commissions
  • Unlimited demo account
Cons
  • Only derivatives are available
  • Not open to U.S. residents
public.com
get started securely through public.com’s website
More Details
Best For
Trading Ideas
N/A
1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For
  • Stock and ETF investors
  • Crypto investors
  • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
Pros
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • Fractional share investing
  • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
Cons
  • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
  • No mutual funds or precious metals
  • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
Robinhood
get started securely through Robinhood’s website
More Details
Best For
Commission-Free Mobile Trading
N/A
1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For
  • Beginners looking for simplicity
  • Mobile-first investors
  • Commission-free trades
Pros
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Instant double
  • Cash management
  • Access to cryptocurrencies
Cons
  • Limited research tools
  • No mutual funds available
  • Basic customer support options
TradeZero
get started securely through TradeZero’s website
More Details
Best For
Active Short Sellers
N/A
1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For
  • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
  • Those attracted to commission-free trades
  • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
Pros
  • 24/7 live customer support
  • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
  • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
Cons
  • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
  • Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in Oil Stocks

  • Manageable debt load: Oil companies are usually burdened with large amounts of debt, especially upstream companies that require expensive equipment to operate. Excessive leverage can easily cause oil companies to falter, but debt is a way of life for oil producers, so make sure the companies you buy can manage theirs. Yes, global demand is high, but there’s no guarantee that a plentiful oil well and an assumption of demand is enough to make a profitable business.
  • Stable dividend: Oil stocks are known for their fat dividends and investors have enjoyed steady income from the industry for years. However, with oil stocks in the bargain bin and no end in sight to the headwinds pressuring the industry, dividends are on the chopping block. Energy firms like Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB) currently sport high dividends, but that does not mean those dividends will last forever. Don’t chase high dividends when the industry is facing uncertainty, especially as infrastructure changes, the energy market diversifies and global oil production can change on a dime.
  • Sufficient cash reserves: Cash is king, especially when an unrelated crisis has driven demand into the ground. The energy sector is going to see some ugliness in the next few months as cash flow dries up, so companies with extra cash to deploy will be better positioned when the crisis subsides. If these businesses want to remain in the supply chain, they need to be ready for capital expenditure projects (CAPEX), changing climate policy and regulations, etc.

Considerations When Buying Oil Assets

Aside from “what to look for in an oil asset”, you need to know what to consider as you invest in the broader oil industry. Be on the lookout for:

  • Geopolitical issues: The greatest risk in the petroleum industry is geopolitical unrest. Energy economics shift with the tide of protests, regime changes and more. A despot could take over an oil-producing nation, take a significant role in OPEC, increase or decrease oil product and gas production and much more. Protests can tank a cheap oil stock when a refinery is shut down, and investors could become wary when they realize current events are cutting into their bottom line.
  • Market dynamics: The market is shifting every day, and you need to be aware of what the market wants, likes and needs. If you don’t know what the market thinks, do your research with Benzinga so that you can get a better idea of what’s happening out there.
  • Health and safety: Health and safety concerns can slow down production, cause greater regulation and scrutiny and impact oil prices.
  • Environmental considerations: The world will eventually run out of oil and most nations are under pressure to diversify their energy assets, meaning that oil prices and assets could suffer, depending on how flexible and innovative they are. If these companies don’t address climate change, they could suffer in the long-term.

Trading Oil Stocks During a Price War

There’s no sugarcoating this — oil can be a tough investment. Prices keep fluctuate often and there’s pressure on the industry from both short-term and long-term headwinds. Renewable energy was gaining traction before the crisis hit and while cheap oil may boost demand once the world gets back to normal, it becomes a tougher and tougher industry to navigate, especially for capital intensive operations in the Upstream sector. 

However, it’s hard to resist buying quality companies when prices reach historic lows like these. The price of crude oil won’t stay low or high forever, but you can be sure that the price of a barrel is trending up over the long term. Nation worldwide don’t want to cut into their emergency reserves, and you cannot expect a massive dividend yield all the time when the market fluctuates as it does. Oil is a finicky industry – be sure to do your homework before investing in a sector facing unprecedented uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Are oil stocks profitable?

1
Are oil stocks profitable?
asked
A
1

Oil has long been a store of wealth as its price has continued to rise over time. However, all investments come with risk, and you should research each oil stock you choose prior to trading.

answered
Q

Are all oil stocks the same?

1
Are all oil stocks the same?
asked
A
1

No, Oil stocks can represent R&D, refining, sales, lateral oil products and many more segments of the industry.

answered
Q

Can you diversify with oil stocks?

1
Can you diversify with oil stocks?
asked
A
1

Yes. You can diversify your portfolio with oil stocks and even diversify amongst other oil stocks to protect yourself that much more.

answered

Continue reading: BEST OIL PENNY STOCKS

The post Best Oil Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

]]> https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/07132251/zbynek-burival-517983-unsplash-e1579286274758.jpg Best Solar Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-solar-stocks Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 http://find.benzinga.com/?page_id=22462 The post Best Solar Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Renewable energy has become a major theme for forward-looking investors and several different niches within the energy sector are looking to enhance it. Water, wind and solar power are the biggest potential sources, all with their various pros and cons. But solar power is front and center in the renewable energy market thanks to the … Continued

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]]> The post Best Solar Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Renewable energy has become a major theme for forward-looking investors and several different niches within the energy sector are looking to enhance it. Water, wind and solar power are the biggest potential sources, all with their various pros and cons. But solar power is front and center in the renewable energy market thanks to the companies producing it and the numerous ways it can be leveraged by consumers. Of course, saving the world takes time and investors aren’t known to be patient. Today, we’ll look at 5 solar stocks that could make waves in 2022.

Quick Look at the Best Solar Stocks:

Contents

    Overview: Solar Stocks

    Solar power is a clean and potentially limitless energy source and many companies have attempted to harness it. Solar power isn’t a single technology, either.  Energy from the sun is turned into power through 3 different methods:

    • Photovoltaics
    • Solar heating and cooling (SHC) 
    • Concentrating solar power (CSP)

    When discussing solar energy, most people are talking about photovoltaic solar systems, which convert sunlight into energy through the semiconductors lining the inside of solar panels. Concentrating solar power and solar heating and cooling systems actually use the sun’s thermal energy to create power. CSP and SHC systems are often implemented to heat public pools or provide hot water to residences.

    Despite the potential, problems still exist when it comes to implementing solar energy systems. The sun could reliably rise and set at specific times, but weather is about as trustworthy as the Smoking Man from the X-Files. A long period of inclement weather could wreak havoc on solar energy systems and storage systems are a must for any solar energy application. Daylight hours need to count for solar systems to reach max efficiency and weather often just does not want to cooperate.

    Then there’s the cost. For the average homeowner, installing a solar energy system will cost around $14,000 to get up and running and that’s after factoring in the federal tax credit. While the long-term energy savings could make this a worthy investment, most homeowners simply don’t have $14,000 in the budget to switch to a new electricity source. Some states have offered incentives, and there are companies that finance these installations without changing the user’s energy bills, but financing requires a high credit score and pre-approval from the lender used by the installer.

    Best Online Brokers for Solar Stocks

    Before investing in solar energy companies, you’ll need a broker to supply you with shares. If you don’t have a broker, you’re in luck — there’s never been a better time to open an account. Almost all major brokerages have erased commissions on stock and ETF trading, plus many offer sign-up bonuses like deposit matching or free stocks. 

    Your experience level will determine which broker is best. If you want to trade based on technical analysis and buy/sell signals, you won’t want a broker that only offers basic line charts. And of course, be sure your broker has shares of the solar companies you wish to invest in.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Features to Look for in Solar Stocks

    Solar energy stocks haven’t been terrific investments in the last few years. Despite advances in efficiency and promotion from governments around the world, most solar stocks languished behind the S&P 500 during the decade-long bull market. There’s little doubt that solar power will be a big part of our lives in the coming years, but how long will investors be willing to wait to see more prevalent adoption? 

    When looking for solar companies to invest in, always keep a few key features in mind.

    • Debt levels: Solar energy is expensive. Panels are expensive to make, installations are expensive to perform and storage systems are expensive to maintain. These costs will likely decline in the future as the technology continues to improve, but right now solar energy firms require extensive amounts of capital. Be sure you aren’t investing in a company with an unhealthy debt level.
    • Cash flow consistency: Additionally, solar energy companies require a ton of capital to keep operations running smoothly. Much like its peers in the oil and gas business, the equipment needed to manufacture, install and maintain solar systems is costly. Even the solar panels themselves don’t come cheap! To make sure you’re investing in the best solar stocks, keep an eye on their cash flows. Cash flow and debt often go hand-in-hand here.
    • Management that believes: If you’re in it for the money, you’re in the wrong sector. Solar energy firms have an uphill battle to climb thanks to a familiar foe — inertia. Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of global energy and replacing them would require massive infrastructure changes. The management team in a solar energy company must have the longest view in the room because adoption will be a slow and arduous process. This is not the industry for corner-cutting just to make a buck.

    Where Do Solar Stocks Fit in Your Portfolio?

    Solar energy companies are attempting to serve 2 different customer bases at once. On one hand, solar power is a terrific public good that would greatly reduce fossil fuel consumption and make for a healthier environment. On the other hand, solar power systems are expensive to build and maintain and companies in the sector are often riddled with debt. 

    When adding solar stocks to your portfolio, be sure to consider the pros and cons of both the individual companies and the industry as a whole. Just because a company is attempting to do good doesn’t mean it’s a well-run firm. Always thoroughly vet solar companies before investing and have a plan for exiting a speculative trade.

    Q

    Is solar a good stock sector?

    1
    Is solar a good stock sector?
    asked
    A
    1

    Solar stocks ranks 159 out of 248 and is expected to underperform in the market for the next three to six months.

     

     

    answered
    Q

    Why are solar shares dropping?

    1
    Why are solar shares dropping?
    asked
    A
    1

    Since Senator Joe Manchin said he would not support the Budget Reconcilliation Bill, solar shares began to drop.

    answered
    Q

    Is there a future in solar?

    1
    Is there a future in solar?
    asked
    A
    1

    With the decline in fossil fuels, solar stocks will likely rise in the future.

    answered

    The post Best Solar Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/25145032/antonio-garcia-339626-unsplash.jpg     Best Retail Stocks Right Now https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-retail-stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-retail-stocks#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?p=40927 The post Best Retail Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Not a day goes by without some type of Retail Armageddon story from the financial media; to a certain extent, it’s justified. The coronavirus sped up the demise of several big department stores like Neiman Marcus, J. Crew, and Modell’s Sporting Goods, but calling for the demise of retail might be a bit premature. Neiman … Continued

    The post Best Retail Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Retail Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Not a day goes by without some type of Retail Armageddon story from the financial media; to a certain extent, it’s justified. The coronavirus sped up the demise of several big department stores like Neiman Marcus, J. Crew, and Modell’s Sporting Goods, but calling for the demise of retail might be a bit premature. Neiman Marcus and J. Crew emerged from bankruptcy, and it’s possible that other retail establishments can do the same. Now is the time to learn all you can about retail stocks.

    Changing the way we do business doesn’t mean the end of the business as we know it. Retailers with strong online footprints, recognized brands and the ability to adapt to new consumer trends will still thrive, even if the pandemic brings on an era of increased savings. This is America, we’re always going to feel the urge to get new stuff every now and then, right? Today we’ll look at 5 retail stocks that could emerge as big winners.

    Quick Look at the Best Retail Stocks:

    • Foot Locker, Inc.
    • TJX
    • Home Depot
    • Big Lots, Inc.
    • Target Corporation

    Contents

    1. Quick Look at the Best Retail Stocks:
    2. Overview: Retail Stocks
    3. Best Online Brokers for Retail Stock
    4. Features to Look for in Retail Stock
    5. The Demise of Retail Might be Exaggerated
    6. Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview: Retail Stocks

    Retail is one of the oldest businesses in America. Macy’s, a brand retailer recognized across the nation, has roots going back as far as 1852. Retailers are different from other types of consumer goods companies because they supply products to the end users themselves. They don’t manufacture or distribute products; retailers are a direct-to-consumer business. 

    Even so, consumer spending and the consumer price index impact these stocks. Some investors research the consumer expenditure survey to learn where they should put their money while others review data from the Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis. In short, you need to find as much interactive data as possible before you invest in these assets.

    Some examples of retail companies include department stores, discount stores, food and grocery, home improvement stores, auto parts suppliers, clothing stores and drug stores. There’s often a lot of sector overlap between consumer discretionary and consumer staples among retail firms.

    Retail stocks are also some of the oldest shares occupying our favorite indices. JCPenney has exited bankruptcy, but they’ve been trading on the New York Stock Exchange since 1927.  Amazon dominates this space today as both a consumer discretionary and consumer staples provider, but who needs to be told to buy Amazon stock? 

    Despite its dominance, Amazon doesn’t have a stranglehold on consumer spending and plenty of other companies in the retail space have room to grow. Some companies are newcomers who have adapted to a rapidly changing environment, but others are institutions thanks to successful business models dating back decades.

    Best Online Brokers for Retail Stock

    Retail stocks have been choppy during the COVID-19 pandemic with juggernauts like Amazon reaching new highs while department stores Macy’s and JCPenney struggle to survive.

    Fortunately, finding retail shares doesn’t require much of a search. Stocks of popular retailers are readily available as most major brokers, so choosing one depends more on your investment style than the type of stock you’re looking for. Most brokers offer commission-free stock trading now, so it’s never been cheaper to start trading or investing in the retail sector.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Features to Look for in Retail Stock

    When looking for retail stocks with strong future prospects, consider the following features. Companies boasting these characteristics will have higher chances of success compared to their peers.

    • Strong online footprint: Online shopping is here to stay. It was probably coming even without the coronavirus, but a global pandemic has certainly increased the amount of consumers ordering their goods online. Certain types of shopping will always have strong demand for in-person sales, like clothing and furniture. But a strong online presence is a must to navigate the current environment.
    • Popular brand names: Selling is all about trust and consumers trust brand names they know and recognize. Retailers with a wide variety of trusted brands will do well in an economy where consumers hold their dollars a little tighter.
    • Steady or expanding gross margins: In an uncertain economic environment, keeping costs down is crucial. Gross margin refers to the profits kept after the cost of goods sold is subtracted from revenue. Companies with declining gross margins are either losing sales or seeing increases in costs. Neither is a good scenario for business.

    The Demise of Retail Might be Exaggerated

    The media reports on the retail apocalypse might be a bit overdone. Sure, the malls and department stores are in trouble as consumer trends change and online shopping bleeds formerly reliable foot traffic. But retail isn’t going anywhere. Companies in the space might look and operate differently, but getting products directly into the hands of consumers will always be big business. 

    The National Retail Federation is bullish, and consumer spending data indicates that many of these consumer cyclical businesses are performing well. You might also want to look at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to see how jobs numbers are performing.

    As long as the consumer has money to spend and needs to fill, certain retailers will thrive. The ones who fail to adapt will cease to exist, but that’s the way of life in any industry. The companies on this list not only have the ability to adapt to new trends but they have the trust factor to keep those customers coming back.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    What industry is best to invest in?

    1
    What industry is best to invest in?
    asked
    A
    1

    The five best industries that are best to invest in in 2022 are Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), healthcare and pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

    answered
    Q

    What industry will grow in 2022?

    1
    What industry will grow in 2022?
    asked
    A
    1

    There are five global industries that are set to grow in 2022. They are global airport operation, global hotels and resorts, global travel agency services, global tourism, and global airlines.

    answered
    Q

    Is Apple stock a good buy?

    1
    Is Apple stock a good buy?
    asked
    A
    1

    If you are a long-term invetor, Apple stock may be a good buy for you. That’s because the company has a great track record and will be in business for the long haul.

    answered

    The post Best Retail Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-retail-stocks/feed 0 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/26164250/c9fqyqiecds.jpg     Best Infrastructure Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/infrastructure-stocks Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?page_id=27224 The post Best Infrastructure Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Who stands to benefit most from a heralded infrastructure boom? Companies that supply the materials and take on projects.  While the sector remains at a standstill like the rest of the broader economy, investing in infrastructure stocks now might put you ahead of the curve. Here are a few stocks to keep an eye on., … Continued

    The post Best Infrastructure Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Infrastructure Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Who stands to benefit most from a heralded infrastructure boom? Companies that supply the materials and take on projects. 

    While the sector remains at a standstill like the rest of the broader economy, investing in infrastructure stocks now might put you ahead of the curve. Here are a few stocks to keep an eye on., remembering that infrastructure will always be an issue, and the largest companies in this sector will always have massive contracts at their fingertips.

    Table of contents [Show]

    Overview: Infrastructure Stocks

    Infrastructure can refer to the buildings that house our industries, the pipes and plumbing that keep fuel and water running and electricity power lines and panels. Infrastructure is essentially everything you don’t see — yet our economy and society can’t function without it. 

    It’s often grouped into the industrial sector due to materials and construction. But infrastructure companies can also be utilities, tech firms or aerospace and defense contractors. 

    Infrastructure stocks currently sit at a standstill — no one’s building anything with the country shutdown. If you want to invest in infrastructure stocks, understand that you likely won’t see outsized returns until the pandemic passes. 

    An investment in infrastructure companies is an investment for the long haul, and the companies poised to profit from increased spending on infrastructure reside in the following industries:

    • Materials: Infrastructure projects need steel, lumber, plastics and plenty of other materials for completion. The companies that produce these goods will do well when it comes time to refurbish roads, bridges and railways.
    • Energy: Electrical grids and power stations are on the shortlist of infrastructure that needs a facelift, but energy companies also supply the power needed to execute high-level projects.
    • Transportation: Companies that transport the raw materials and machinery needed to complete infrastructure projects such as trucking, shipping, rails, airlines and pipelines.
    • Construction and engineering. Designers, developers and builders. These are the firms that make new infrastructure projects a reality. 

    Projects are broken down into 2 categories: hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure. 

    Hard infrastructure refers to the networks and channels that make economic activity possible. Roads, communications networks, airports, energy distribution channels and water and sewer systems all fall into the hard infrastructure category. 

    Soft infrastructure refers to the facilities and networks that maintain societal health, such as schools, hospitals, police and firefighting forces and public parks. Most of the stocks here are focused on building and maintaining hard infrastructure. 

    Best Online Brokers for Infrastructure Stocks

    Investing in infrastructure stocks can solidify your portfolio, but you’ll need an appropriate broker to execute the best possible trades. Most infrastructure stocks have significant volume and shares aren’t in short supply among major brokers. 

    Choosing a broker comes down to your trading style. If you want to day trade, make sure you use a broker with sophisticated charting tools so you can maximize your entry and exit points.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Features to Look for in Infrastructure Stocks

    1. Increasing dividends: Infrastructure stocks are often from older, established companies that don’t spend money on research and development. Dividend payments can be an attractive feature, and the cream of the crop has a history of increasing them frequently. Look for companies that have been increasing dividends for a number of years.
    2. Stable cash flow and low debt: Much like the oil and gas sector, infrastructure companies buy or lease expensive equipment that depreciates in a hurry. But the best infrastructure companies keep debt load manageable and cash flow steady.
    3. Strong margins: Margin is the difference in the cost of producing a good or service versus what the business makes by selling it. Infrastructure projects can have tight budgets that often run over. Companies that maximize each dollar have the most successful stocks.

    Reinforcing Your Portfolio with Infrastructure Stocks

    Infrastructure stocks might not seem like wise investments at the moment. But there’s sure to be an upswell in support for new projects as the government may look to infrastructure spending as a way to kickstart the economy. 

    Investing in infrastructure won’t provide superior returns right away, but it is a talking point among politicians in every state. At some point, there will need to be upgrades and changes to the national infrastructure, and these firms could stand to benefit from those changes.

    The post Best Infrastructure Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/29224819/abraham-barrera-716606-unsplash.jpg     Best AI Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-artificial-intelligence-stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-artificial-intelligence-stocks#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?p=40663 The post Best AI Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Artificial intelligence has been a scorching hot investment trend during this bull market run. And while some AI winners have slowed a bit this summer, investors and analysts remain bullish about the long-term potential of this innovative technology. AI stocks have been volatile lately, but volatility can also present opportunities to get stocks at a … Continued

    The post Best AI Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best AI Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Artificial intelligence has been a scorching hot investment trend during this bull market run. And while some AI winners have slowed a bit this summer, investors and analysts remain bullish about the long-term potential of this innovative technology.

    AI stocks have been volatile lately, but volatility can also present opportunities to get stocks at a reasonable price. If you’re interested in investing in AI, here are seven stocks to watch this summer.

    Quick Look at Best AI Stocks:

    Symbol Company % Change Price Dividend Yield Invest
    MSFT Microsoft
    + 0.55%
    		$375.50 3.64 / 0.01% Buy stock
    NVDA NVIDIA
    + 0.25%
    		$177.84 0.04 / 0% Buy stock
    META Meta Platforms
    + 0.88%
    		$579.50 2.1 / 0% Buy stock
    NOW ServiceNow
    + 0.53%
    		$102.54 N/A Buy stock
    PANW Palo Alto Networks
    + 0.11%
    		$163.39 N/A Buy stock
    TSM Taiwan Semiconductor
    + 0.53%
    		$340.85 3.5234 / 0.01% Buy stock
    CLS Celestica
    + 0%
    		$294.83 N/A Buy stock
    Table of contents [Show]

    Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)

    Microsoft is heavily invested in artificial intelligence, spanning various applications and research. A core focus is Azure AI, providing cloud-based AI services for businesses. Additionally, Microsoft incorporates AI into its products, like Office 365, enhancing features with intelligent assistants and automation. The company is also exploring natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning. 

    Beyond innovative technology, Microsoft emphasizes responsible AI, ensuring its developments align with ethical guidelines. Notable projects in this area include AI for Good, which addresses global challenges like climate change and hunger, and Project Alexandria, which creates a knowledge base for businesses using AI. 

    From a technical standpoint, MSFT shares are trading near all-time highs but still have a reasonable 38.4 P/E ratio and a Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 51, well below the overbought level.

    NVIDIA Corp. (Nasdaq: NVDA)

    NVIDIA is one of the strongest AI stocks in the market, primarily thanks to its constantly in-demand GPUs. These GPUs have the processing power required for the most complex machine and deep learning algorithms, making them necessary tools for AI development. The firm’s focus extends beyond hardware, offering software platforms and development kits to support AI researchers.

    NVIDIA’s work spans various AI applications, including self-driving cars, medical imaging, natural language processing, and video games. The company’s research arm also explores the boundaries of AI, pushing the technology forward with projects in areas like computer vision, robotics, and generative AI. For now, NVIDIA is the computational backbone for much of the world’s AI advancements.

    The company’s stock has seen a transcendent rise over the last two years but has been rangebound since the 10-1 stock split announcement. However, the next earnings call is scheduled for Aug. 28, which could propel shares out of the current range.

    Meta Platforms (Nasdaq: META)

    META has devoted significant resources to AI development in its social media platforms and the Metaverse. Their AI research focuses on natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning to enhance user experiences. This includes developing AI models for image recognition, content moderation, and personalized recommendations.

    Much of the company’s AI efforts are directed toward building the Metaverse, a virtual reality universe. This involves creating AI systems that understand and respond to human interactions within this digital environment. Additionally, META is exploring AI for augmented reality applications, such as virtual assistants and smart glasses. Other projects include the Llama 2 open-source large language model and Cicero, which claims to be the first AI to play the strategy game Diplomacy at a human level.

    ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE: NOW)

    ServiceNow is primarily known for its cloud-based platform that helps businesses manage workflows and IT operations. However, the company has also invested significantly in AI to enhance its platform and free up human clients for more complex tasks.

    ServiceNow’s AI strategy centers around intelligent automation, which involves using AI to streamline and automate various business processes. Some areas where this focus is magnified include Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user queries, machine learning algorithms to analyze data and identify trends, and AI-powered virtual agents to handle routine (and mundane) tasks and inquiries.

    Despite not being a household name like Microsoft or Meta, ServiceNow is still a massive company with a $158 billion market cap and over $8 billion in annual revenue. The company also has an upcoming catalyst when it reports earnings on July 24.

    Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW)

    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity sector champion that heavily leverages AI to protect organizations from evolving online threats. The company utilizes AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of security data, identifying malicious activity patterns. This enables them to detect and prevent zero-day attacks, ransomware, and other sophisticated threats.

    AI automates routine security tasks, such as incident response and threat hunting, freeing security teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. As attackers increasingly use AI themselves, Palo Alto Networks is developing defenses like Precision AI to counter these complex AI threats with other forms of AI and create a more resilient security infrastructure.

    PANW shares have receded from the all-time high reached in Q1 2024, but the company remains one of the top cybersecurity innovators, and its research into AI can only enhance its efficiency. The stock’s P/E ratio is 48.2, but the 57 RSI shows that shares have yet to reach overbought territory.

    Taiwan Semiconductor Co. (NYSE: TSM)

    If you want to make money during a gold rush, why not sell shovels to prospectors? That’s the idea surrounding an investment thesis in Taiwan Semiconductor Co., which provides many of the other companies on this list with vital components needed for their AI processes.

    AI models require immense computational power to train and operate. This magnitude of power is derived from specialized chips, which enable them to process vast amounts of data rapidly. TSM is a key player in manufacturing these chips, and its advanced semiconductor fabrication operations allow for the production of smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient chips. 

    In other words, TSM’s ability to produce leading-edge chips is a cornerstone of the AI revolution. Without their advanced manufacturing capabilities, AI application development and deployment could be significantly hindered. The firm drives innovation in semiconductor technology, which in turn fuels advancements in AI.

    Celestica Inc. (NYSE: CLS)

    Not all AI innovation happens in large-cap firms. Shares of mid-cap electronics manufacturer Celestica Inc. have more than doubled in the last year thanks to high demand for its components that underlie AI infrastructure. But despite this rapid stock growth, the company still has a low P/E ratio of 21 and a market cap below $7 billion.

    A significant portion of Celestica’s AI-related work revolves around manufacturing network switches. These high-performance switches are critical components in data centers, where AI models are trained and deployed. The company’s expertise in designing and producing these switches is essential for building the infrastructure required for AI applications.

    Furthermore, Celestica is actively involved in developing cutting-edge networking solutions specifically designed for AI and machine learning applications. Their high-speed switches, for example, facilitate rapid data transfer within data centers, which is essential for training and deploying AI models.

    What Makes a Good AI Stock?

    Picking the best stocks in any particular sector or industry is challenging, especially in volatile and evolving ones like AI. Getting your investments 100% right is a practical impossibility, but you can give yourself the best odds of success by following specific rules and knowing what to look for. Here are four key factors to research when selecting the best AI stocks.

    • Catalysts – A catalyst is some kind of news or event that gets a stock moving, like an earnings release, product launch, insider purchase, or upgrade/downgrade from a stock analyst. 
    • Project Pipeline – What types of AI projects does the company have on its radar? Do they produce components like TSM or CLS, or are they training new models like META or PANW? Make sure your AI investments have a bright pipeline of future projects; otherwise, they could lag behind the ones that continue to expand and innovate.
    • Management Team – While researching the company, don’t neglect to research the executives and managers either. Are they attracting top talent? Do they have a history of success in similar industries? Are there any skeletons in the closet that you should be aware of? Faulty leadership can sink even the most innovative companies.
    • Technical Signals – Finally, if you’re looking for stocks that are about to make a big upward move, you’ll want to pay attention to technical trading signals and analysis, as well as fundamental data like earnings growth and price ratios. A breakout signal like an RSI oversold reading or a cross over the 50-day moving average could trigger a move before any major news reaches the market.

    Choosing the Right Brokerage for AI Stocks

    When investing in AI stocks, you’ll want to choose a broker that has access to shares and suits your style and investment goals. Here’s a list of our favorite online brokerages and what type of investor they’re best suited for.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    The post Best AI Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-artificial-intelligence-stocks/feed 0 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/11164613/ykw0jjp7rlu.jpg     Best Blue Chip Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-blue-chip-stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-blue-chip-stocks#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?p=59696 The post Best Blue Chip Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Blue chip is a nickname given to stocks of a well-established and trusted company. These are companies that investors rely on because of their credibility and reliability — industry leaders and household names. These large-cap stocks often have a market valuation of $10 billion or more. While blue chip companies can be reliable, that also … Continued

    The post Best Blue Chip Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Blue Chip Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Blue chip is a nickname given to stocks of a well-established and trusted company. These are companies that investors rely on because of their credibility and reliability — industry leaders and household names. These large-cap stocks often have a market valuation of $10 billion or more.

    While blue chip companies can be reliable, that also comes with slower growth. This feature makes them a conservative option for investors looking for a safe bet for an already established portfolio. You can also begin to establish your portfolio using these same assets, especially if you have enough money to invest in something that’s a bit more expensive. While you don’t want to overspend, you also want to hold onto assets that may be more appropriate for you.

    Best Blue Chip Stocks

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    Table of contents [Show]

    Key Characteristics of Blue Chip Stocks

    Blue chip stocks can be identified by several shared traits. Not all blue chip stocks are the same, but they have underlying characteristics that make them easy to spot.

    • Growth history: Blue chips have a solid history of sustained growth., which means good future prospects. They’re already established.
    • Component of a market index: You’ll find these stocks in major market indexes, like the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq 100.
    • Social relevance: Blue chip stocks tend to have a bit of social relevance that, while it cannot prevent them from failing, keeps these companies in the spotlight. As these companies remain relevant, they tend to retain their value more easily.
    • Global presence: Blue chip stocks tend to perform better if they have a global presence and are relevant beyond North America.
    • Higher dividend payouts: Dividends are regular payments made to investors from a company’s revenue. While there’s no requirement that a blue chip stock pays a dividend, it’s a common trait. Think Verizon’s 5% dividend. Small-cap stocks focus on expansion rather than dividends.
    • Proper governance: Large companies are not invincible. They could begin to dip at any time, and it’s important to do your research and monitor how these stocks are performing.
    • Diverse business channels: Blue chip stocks tend to be so diverse that they have several divisions or manage a range of products or services. A business can perform well with a small catalog, but a larger catalog allows more cash to flow.
    • Government contracts: When you invest in consumer defensive stocks, you should look for government contracts that can sustain these companies for decades at a time.
    • Long-term potential: Companies in the blue chip sector tend to be an integral part of American life, whether you see them or not. For example, defense contractors continue to have relationships with the military, giving them long-term potential.

    Compare Online Brokers

    Comparing online brokers is an important part of the process. Choosing the right broker for your situation saves you money and time while building your portfolio.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Should You Invest in Blue Chip Stocks?

    Nike. Coca-Cola. Starbucks. Walmart. These are names you know well. But should you invest in them? One thing these big names have in common is cost efficiency, which can lead to strong earnings growth and distribution. These companies also remain in the public eye. Advertising never stops, and they’re often a part of our daily lives.

    Stable and reliable, having a blue chip stock in your portfolio is not likely to be a bad thing. This stability points to strong financial footing, meaning no debt and a lot of efficiency. Blue chip stocks are often protected from severe volatility, making the risks limited. Although investing in a blue chip stock can bring steady, long-term returns — they are well regulated and have potential for regular dividends — there are some cautions to keep in mind.

    You may not want to invest in certain types of blue chip stocks that might be in the midst of a downturn. For example, what if a blue chip business is about to be phased out of the market because its technology is derived from a bygone day? You need to be on the lookout for these things so that you can easily make wise choices.

    Advantages of Investing in Blue Chip Stocks

    • Hedged against massive volatility: The market might sway quite a bit, but blue chip stocks don’t tend to take the major downswings that you will see with other assets.
    • Name recognition: When you invest in a blue chip stock, there’s a bit of name recognition that can help calm your nerves, especially if the asset is expensive. These investments are meant to last, and name recognition often helps these businesses survive even the toughest economic times because the public tends to turn to things they know.
    • Long-term growth: Chances are, a blue chip stock will continue to grow for decades at a time, allowing pundits to say, ‘If you’d purchased [this blue chip stock] 30 years ago, here’s how much you’d have.”
    • Strong dividend potential: Blue chip stocks are generally in a good position to generate dividends every quarter. While those dividends may change from one quarter to the next, they’re still paying you back for buying in.
    • Future income potential: Aside from the idea of collecting dividends, some investors might look at blue chip stocks are opportunities to guarantee some level of future income. You can add extra money to your budget by holding blue chip stocks that continue to grow and pay dividends.

    Drawbacks of Investing in Blue Chip Stocks

    • Lag: Blue chip stocks can lag the market index, meaning they suffer from poor management practices and even scandals. They can also lose market share to smaller companies.
    • Won’t beat the market: Because blue chip stocks are stable, they are not going to have skyrocketing prices or super-quick growth like smaller companies and start-ups might.
    • Tricky for young investors: A lot of blue chip stocks pay dividends rather than investing in their own growth and increased stock value. For investors just starting out, you may want to find a stock that helps you build wealth, rather than a steady stock that won’t see much action.
    • Expense: Blue chip stocks tend to be expensive, and that’s why many novice investors might need to build their net worth before investing in blue chip stocks.
    • Changing sentiments: You may not lose all your money, but a blue chip stock that gets caught behind negative market sentiments may not gain the value you were anticipating.

    The (Steady) Rise of Blue Chip Stocks

    Blue chip stocks are the companies people tend to trust. The ones in your home. The drinks and food on your shelf, the hair products in your bathroom, the credit card in your wallet and the shows you watch. Blue chip stocks are reliable, which is why they’re so appealing to investors.

    While blue chip stocks are slow to grow, they can be a trusted addition to a portfolio. That’s because these companies are predicted to have a bright future, whether through new products or inventions. Think Apple’s VR headset and Watch or Nike’s collaborations and new shoe technology. If you’re looking for dividend payouts and steady growth, blue chip stocks could be perfect for your portfolio.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    What is a blue chip stock?

    1
    What is a blue chip stock?
    asked
    A
    1

    A blue chip stock refers to shares of a well-established, financially stable and reputable company that has a long history of consistent earnings and dividend payments. These companies are typically leaders in their respective industries and have a strong market presence. Blue chip stocks are considered to be relatively safer investment options as they tend to be less volatile and have a track record of delivering steady returns over time.

    answered
    Q

    Are blue chips good investments?

    1
    Are blue chips good investments?
    asked
    A
    1

    Blue chips are considered good investments because they are financially stable, have consistent growth and dividends and maintain a strong market presence. They are less risky than smaller companies and can withstand economic downturns. However, thorough research and analysis should be conducted before investing.

    answered
    Q

    Where does the term blue chip come from?

    1
    Where does the term blue chip come from?
    asked
    A
    1

    The term blue chip originated from poker and was later used in finance to describe reliable and stable stocks or companies with a history of consistent performance. It has become synonymous with top-tier, well-established companies in the stock market.

    answered

    The post Best Blue Chip Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-blue-chip-stocks/feed 0 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/28123735/blue-chip-stocks.jpg     Best Bank Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-bank-stocks Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 http://find.benzinga.com/?page_id=24762 The post Best Bank Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    The financial services sector is still recovering its reputation in the wake of the Great Recession. Many Americans still don’t trust the banking industry and low-interest rates have caused investors to have second thoughts about buying even the best bank stocks. But the banking industry is making a comeback, thanks to some new consumer-friendly policies, … Continued

    The post Best Bank Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Bank Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    The financial services sector is still recovering its reputation in the wake of the Great Recession. Many Americans still don’t trust the banking industry and low-interest rates have caused investors to have second thoughts about buying even the best bank stocks.

    But the banking industry is making a comeback, thanks to some new consumer-friendly policies, a return to profitability and rising interest rates. Do individual bank stocks belong in your portfolio? Sure, but it depends on the type of investment you want. Prefer high growth and no taxable events?

    Finding the best bank stocks might not be at the top of your list. But if you’re looking for value and income, the financial services sector deserves a close inspection.

    Best Bank Stocks Right Now

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    Apr 6, 2026 11:17 am – Apr 6, 2026 11:17 am

    Contents

    1. Best Bank Stocks Right Now
    2. Best Bank Stocks to Watch Out for This Year: Benzinga’s Picks
      1. JPMorgan Chase (JPM)
      2. U.S. Bancorp (USB)
      3. Citigroup (C)
      4. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)
      5. KeyCorp (KEY)
    3. What Are Bank Stocks?
    4. What to Look for in a Banking Industry Stock
      1. Price-to-Book Value
      2. High-Dividend Yield
      3. Return On Assets (ROA)
    5. Choose the Best Bank Stocks for Your Portfolio
    6. The Biggest Bank Stock Movers of the Day
    7. Frequently Asked Questions

    Best Bank Stocks to Watch Out for This Year: Benzinga’s Picks

    Interest rates have been trending up for the first time since the Great Recession and many banks are poised to profit on such increases. The banking sector might not enjoy the recent bull market as much as the tech or healthcare sectors, but there’s reason to believe that banks are currently undervalued. Benzinga has picked 5 bank stocks to add to your brokerage account.

    JPMorgan Chase (JPM)

    JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM)

    294.000

    0.9 [0.31%]
    Buy Sell Trade Now
    Compare Brokers
    –
    202.16 – 337.25
    2.70B
    7.34K/11.25M
    792.93B
    2.70B
    6/0.0204%
    28.970
    2.69B

    Price-to-book value: 1.63
    Dividend yield: 2.89%
    Return on assets: 1.25%

    JPMorgan Chase is one of the oldest institutions in the United States and operates in 4 different areas: consumer banking, investment banking, commercial banking and wealth management.

    JPMorgan Chase has exceeded earnings estimates more often than not.

    U.S. Bancorp (USB)

    U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB)

    53.130

    0.18 [0.34%]
    Buy Sell Trade Now
    Compare Brokers
    –
    35.18 – 61.19
    1.56B
    2.82K/11.28M
    82.62B
    1.56B
    2.06/0.0389%
    44.160
    1.55B

    Price-to-book value: 1.78
    Dividend yield: 2.85%
    Return on assets: 1.51%

    U.S. Bancorp is tiny compared to JPMorgan Chase, but the regional Midwestern firm still has an multi-billion-dollar market cap and strong future prospects. Like JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bancorp regularly raises its dividend and has met or exceeded earnings expectations more often than not.

    U.S. Bancorp recently introduced an array of new (and unique) digital tools for homebuyers looking for mortgages, home equity loans and HELOCs.

    Citigroup (C)

    Citigroup (NYSE:C)

    116.150

    0.9 [0.78%]
    Buy Sell Trade Now
    Compare Brokers
    –
    55.51 – 125.16
    1.75B
    18.76K/15.28M
    203.18B
    1.75B
    2.4/0.0208%
    33.190
    1.75B

    Price-to-Book Value: 0.83
    Dividend Yield: 2.77%
    Return on Assets: 1.01%

    To most investors, Citigroup stock looks cheap and might deserve a spot in your portfolio. The firm has raised dividends often and seems to have shaken off the stench of the massive bailout it received in 2008.

    The dividend yield here is generally lower than the other stocks on this list, but there’s strong upside potential here if Citigroup posts more earnings beats.

    Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)

    Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB)

    47.100

    -0.01 [-0.02%]
    Buy Sell Trade Now
    Compare Brokers
    –
    32.25 – 55.4388
    900.05M
    1.97K/12.45M
    42.39B
    900.05M
    1.6/0.034%
    43.630
    810.83M

    Price-to-Book Value: 0.96
    Dividend Yield: 3.22%
    Return on Assets: 1.24%

    Massive national banks aren’t the only ones that deserve attention. Small regional banks like Fifth Third Bancorp often have more room to run and the numbers here look solid. The bank has reported strong growth, but it may not have the long track record of some of the other banks on this list.

    KeyCorp (KEY)

    KeyCorp (NYSE:KEY)

    20.390

    -0.08 [-0.39%]
    Buy Sell Trade Now
    Compare Brokers
    –
    12.725 – 23.345
    1.07B
    0.03K/16.63M
    21.87B
    1.07B
    0.82/0.0401%
    53.950
    799.42M

    Price-to-Book Value: 1.16
    Dividend Yield: 4.07%
    Return on Assets: 1.33%

    Tiny KeyCorp, which operates KeyBank, might be the biggest winner from this group in the future. Despite a smaller market cap, the dividend yield is very generous and has been growing for some time. KeyCorp has a great ROA number despite its small size and cheap price-to-book value. In our opinion, KeyCorp is primed for a breakout.

    What Are Bank Stocks?

    If you’re like most investors, your first encounter with a bank took place in your own home — with a piggy bank. Unlike a piggy bank, modern banks do so much more than hold your cash, and banks are some of the oldest institutions in the world. Current titans like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have been in business for well over 100 years.

    They loan to creditworthy borrowers, create debt markets and enable borrowers to access funds they can’t otherwise obtain. Banks charge interest on the loans they issue, which is how they earn a majority of their profits. Therefore, a bank stock is often tied to the lending market, even if your local bank doesn’t mainly handle loans.

    Consider that banks like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Western Alliance, Flagstar Bank, PacWest, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and more are quite diversified, but they still depend on interest payments. Moreover, when these banks are having issues with cash flow, like Signature Bank or Silicon Valley Bank, they could fail quickly.

    Since banks are only required to hold a small portion of capital compared to their liabilities (known as the fractional banking system), large banks are required to undergo stress tests to gauge their response to a potential catastrophe. Therefore, a depositor can learn from the news cycle how their bank is performing.

    Investors and depositors should also look at how the Federal Reserve sets interest rates. A basis point change is enough to send shivers through the banking sector, Moreover, community banks or regional banks are even more susceptible to failures or runs on the bank because their reserves are generally much lower.

    What to Look for in a Banking Industry Stock

    Banks are not all the same. Just like any other sector of the stock market, banks are a mixed bag when it comes to corporate citizenship and transparent leadership. As you choose bank stocks for your portfolio, keep these three concepts top-of-mind because the Securities and Exchange Commission can only protect consumers so much. There must come a point at which you understand the outflows of your bank and add some common sense to that analysis.

    Price-to-Book Value

    The price-to-book value measures the price of a company’s stock against the liquidation value of the firm’s assets. For value investors, low price-to-book ratios could mean a stock is undervalued and due for a resurgence.

    Bank stocks traditionally have lower-than-average price-to-book values. For large bank stocks, look for a price-to-book ratio between 1 and 2. For smaller regional banks, a price-to-book ratio under 1 could signal an undervalued stock. Price-to-book value is one of Warren Buffett’s favorite ratios to look for in a stock.

    High-Dividend Yield

    Banks don’t do much research and development, so profits are often returned to shareholders in the form of dividends. If a bank offers a dividend yield that continually grows over the years, it’s a sign the bank’s profits are increasing. Increased profits results in more money in the pockets of shareholders. Bank stocks are often a favorite among value investors because of the income they provide through dividends.

    Return On Assets (ROA)

    Return on assets (ROA) is a better measure than the return on equity (ROE) for banks because it enables easy comparisons between companies in the sector. ROA is determined by dividing net income by total assets. For the banking industry, a ROA over 1% is considered a strong number.

    Choose the Best Bank Stocks for Your Portfolio

    Bank stocks have been a favorite of Warren Buffett for decades and a rise in interest rates could catapult them back into favored status. Recovery from the 2008 financial meltdown has been slow and many investors still don’t trust the banks that happily bought up worthless mortgage bonds during the crisis.

    Don’t miss out on this beaten-down sector, which could offer hidden gold, especially when banks have favorable fundamentals like the 5 listed above. Bank stocks right now are on sale and it might be wise to scoop up these deals.

    The Biggest Bank Stock Movers of the Day

    Want Real Time Gainers? Start a free 14 day trial
    There have been no price changes in this timeframe.
    Apr 6, 2026 11:17 am – Apr 6, 2026 11:17 am

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    Are bank stocks part of the financial sector?

    1
    Are bank stocks part of the financial sector?
    asked
    A
    1

    Yes, bank stocks are part of the financial sector.

    answered
    Q

    Are bank stocks a good investment?

    1
    Are bank stocks a good investment?
    asked
    A
    1

    Bank stocks seem to be on the rise, and could likely be a good investment.

    answered
    Q

    Will bank stocks go up with interest rates?

    1
    Will bank stocks go up with interest rates?
    asked
    A
    1

    Higher interest rates are likely to improve profitability, making bank stocks go up in value.

    answered

    The post Best Bank Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/14014659/samuel-zeller-367971-unsplash-e1579286449301.jpg     Best Cybersecurity Stocks Right Now https://www.benzinga.com/money/cybersecurity-stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/cybersecurity-stocks#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?p=40775 The post Best Cybersecurity Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Technology changes the world at a rapid pace and nowhere is that growth more evident than the cybersecurity sector. About 40 years ago, computer system security was a concern only of the largest corporations and governments. Now, every citizen with a smartphone needs some form of protection from malicious attacks, and most of the time … Continued

    The post Best Cybersecurity Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Cybersecurity Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Technology changes the world at a rapid pace and nowhere is that growth more evident than the cybersecurity sector. About 40 years ago, computer system security was a concern only of the largest corporations and governments. Now, every citizen with a smartphone needs some form of protection from malicious attacks, and most of the time they don’t even realize when an intrusion has been thwarted.

    We have more data passing through more systems than ever. The internet has introduced many conveniences to our lives but has created some vulnerabilities to our personal information. Companies sprang to answer the call to curb and prevent security breaches — cybersecurity firms have grown a nonexistent sector into a multibillion business. And with COVID-19 looming over social and business activity for the foreseeable future, keeping digital assets secure becomes even more crucial.

    Contents

    Overview: Cybersecurity Stocks

    Cybersecurity is a huge industry today, but the need for it was nonexistent until the 1970s. Back during the days of the ARPANET (the predecessor of the Internet), a programmer named Bob Thomas made a discovery. He realized he could use a computer program to spread from system to system within the network, accessing any terminal he wanted. Thomas had no sinister intent with his program — it simply posted a message on other computers saying, “I’M THE CREEPER. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.”

    The Creeper was eventually caught by the Reaper. Reaper was the original antivirus program, written by Ray Tomlinson and given the directive of finding and deleting the Creeper program. Thus, the cybersecurity field was born. But the attacks soon became much more malicious.

    The first denial-of-service (DoS) attack happened in 1988, from a code written by MIT graduate student Robert Morris. Morris’s computer worm tore through college computer systems, creating massive slowdowns and crippling the newborn internet. The code replicated uncontrollably, although it didn’t contain any harmful instructions or do damage to files. 

    Morris’s objective remains ambiguous (some sources theorize the code was released entirely by accident), but the internet slowdowns did cause monetary damage and Morris was tried and convicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. However, the Morris worm paved the way for many of today’s most malignant viruses and malware.

    Today, cybersecurity is more important than ever because attackers are getting more and more clever. Both federal offices and private companies like Target, Equifax and Yahoo have been hacked and millions of people have had their personal information exposed. Ransomware attacks like the WannaCry virus are particularly nefarious since they basically hold computer systems hostage for payment. New threats are always lurking.

    The cybersecurity industry is currently a multibillion market and is expected to grow to $270 billion and beyond by 2026. Plus, advances in AI development should speed up the efficiency and implementation of cybersecurity systems. Investing in cybersecurity firms seems like a slam dunk, but you still need to pick good companies. Like any market sector, the most profitable business models can still be sunk by bad management and excessive debt.

    Best Online Brokers for Cybersecurity Stocks

    Choosing the best broker for your trading style is an important step for any investor. Buy-and-hold investors and swing traders benefit from commission-free online brokers because trades no longer cost $5 to $7 a pop and order routing doesn’t matter as much when you’re holding overnight.  

    Day traders who use sophisticated techniques might prefer direct access brokers that charge commissions per share. If you need pricing down the penny, you’ll want control over your order trajectory — that requires direct access, not a broker with a trading desk.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Features to Look for in Cybersecurity Stocks

    Choosing the best cybersecurity stocks for your portfolio doesn’t require much of a changeup from the usual program. You’re looking for companies that are growing revenue and improving margins without piling on the debt. But keep in mind the nature of the cybersecurity industry, too — running with the hackers requires diligent work.

    • Revenue growth: Most of us think cybersecurity is the virus-protection program on our laptops or the 256-bit encryption of data we enter into our phones. But cybersecurity comes in all shapes and sizes, and most firms have a diverse list of public and private clients. The best stocks in the sector will be revenue growers.
    • Improving margins: Look for cybersecurity stocks that are improving their profit margins. Net profit margin refers to the portion of revenue that a publicly-traded company keeps after expenses.
    • Dedication to innovation: Hackers and cyber thieves are crafty. Cybersecurity companies need to be constantly innovating and updating their platforms to keep up with the latest threats. Stagnation is death in this sector.

    Cybersecurity Might Deserve a Slice of Your Portfolio

    The economy is going online, at least for the time being. Businesses will continue to keep as many workers operating from home as possible during the pandemic, which will improve their personal health but possibly not the health of their devices. There’s more data than ever and hackers have more opportunities to exploit weaknesses in our computer security systems.

    Spending on cybersecurity will inevitably increase. Keeping an eye on current trends is important when following this sector as new threats are constantly emerging. Be sure to research how each company plans on staying ahead of the curve before investing in their stock.

    Ready to start investing in cybersecurity stocks? Check out other ways to invest in the technology sector, the best tech stocks and our picks for the best online brokerage.

    The post Best Cybersecurity Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://www.benzinga.com/money/cybersecurity-stocks/feed 0 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20103153/zedvszgs4fa.jpg     Best Growth Stocks Right Now https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-growth-stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-growth-stocks#respond Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?p=40685 The post Best Growth Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Growth stocks are made up of companies that are set to grow their earnings and revenue by an abundant amount compared to the rest of the market, which also has an impact on the price of each company’s stocks. This group of companies includes some of the world’s most well-known and most prominent firms, such … Continued

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    ]]>     The post Best Growth Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Growth stocks are made up of companies that are set to grow their earnings and revenue by an abundant amount compared to the rest of the market, which also has an impact on the price of each company’s stocks. This group of companies includes some of the world’s most well-known and most prominent firms, such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Meta Platforms. 

    Stocks in the growth sector, holistically represented by the iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY), have broadly outperformed the market as IWY has provided investors with lower returns than these stocks. They might have started as value stocks, or they are simply presenting the best potential for investors. Either way, you need to judge their growth potential, review growth opportunities across your portfolio and calculate their growth rate for at least the last 12 months.

    Here are the top stocks across all sectors. Remember, you can diversify your growth stocks just like you would diversify the whole of your portfolio.

    Quick Look at the Best Growth Stocks:

    • Alphabet
    • Qualcomm
    • MercadoLibre
    • Shopify
    • PayPal
    • Constellation Energy Corp
    • Aehr Test Systems
    • Etsy
    • McDonalds
    • e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.
    Table of contents [Show]

    Overview

    Growth versus value is one of the oldest battles on the stock market, a rivalry on par with Yankees/Red Sox or Elon Musk and the SEC. Value investors seek out unheralded companies with excellent balance sheets and price ratios. Value stocks, then, are cheap stocks. But, cheap doesn’t mean “easy to deal with” nor does it mean “will obviously gain value.” The market capitalization and net income of these assets is not guaranteed to always rise or remain high. In fact, market indexes might not be impacted by these assets as much as you think.

    On the other hand, investors looking for these stocks aren’t as concerned about fundamentals. In the world of growth, investors don’t bother looking at the P/E ratio half of the time. Growth investors are concerned with growth — how much the company is expanding in terms of revenue, clientele and market capture. While you’re looking into growth, you need to decide how much growth you need, when you plan to exit the position and if that growth is sustainable.

    When investing for growth, investors look for stocks that have the potential to dominate a large swath of the market. Companies looking to fill a niche market won’t suffice, nor will companies that seek to return profits to shareholders like banks or consumer staples. Growth companies reinvest their extra profits back into research and development or expansion, so dividend payments are small or nonexistent. Investors in growth companies are looking for one thing only — stock price appreciation.

    A buying opportunity, then, is only good for when it clearly matches your intent and cash flow. Wall Street isn’t predictable, but research can help you make better choices.

    Best Online Brokers for These Stocks

    These stocks are some of the most heavily traded shares on the market, so choose the broker with the best features for your type of trading. If you’re looking for long-term appreciation from the stocks, a commission-free broker works best so you can trim losers and add to winners. If you’re using a broker you understand, it’s much easier to make money, exit bad positions and make snap decisions. In fact, making the right choice is often simpler when you use a broker that’s feeding you good information and educational tools.

    Claim Exclusive Offers

    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Benefits of Growth Stocks

    • Large potential market of customers: One of the reasons Amazon, Google and Netflix grew to such heights was their potential client base — limited only by the strains of the earth’s population. Millions upon millions of people can search on Google, purchase items on Amazon or watch TV and movies on Netflix. The best of these stocks have global potential, so don’t focus on companies that are happy to find their little niche. Think big.
    • Rapid revenue growth: Do growth stocks need growth? You don’t say! Yes, every company wants to grow its revenue but growth stocks do it exponentially. Rapid revenue growth doesn’t mean steady increases of 10% each year. We’re looking for companies doubling their sales every year or 2.
    • Debt load not cumbersome: Most growth-focused companies have no issues packing on the debt, but there are limits. If the debt becomes too much to manage, a high-flying growth stock can quickly plummet.
    • Potential long-term gains: When you invest in growth stocks, you can get into an asset that many people will be praising for decades to come. In the future, you might be shocked by how cheap the stock was when you made your first purchase.

    Drawbacks of Growth Stocks

    As you look into growth stocks, hoping that they’ll turn into the next Coke or Amazon, you must remember that are some drawbacks inherent in the process. While this shouldn’t put you off in any way, you must assess your appetite for risk while reviewing the biggest problems investors have with growth stocks:

    • More initial investment risk: A growth stock does come with more initial investment risk because the company may or may not pan out in the manner you prefer. At the same time, all investments carry some semblance of risk. You may even choose to buy just a few stocks to test out these assets before investing further.
    • Investors wait for gains or dividends: While you may see gains in the future, it might take some time for you to see those gains or dividends. Yes, you’re not building income now, but you might be banking future income.
    • Difficult to choose stocks: Many investors might believe that choosing growth stocks is easy. Check the news and find companies that are growing. However, businesses are often at different stages of growth, making ti difficult to know if an established company is growing or, perhaps, a smaller company isn’t really going anywhere.
    • Growth stocks can change at any time: A growth stock might be on the move today, but it might be on the way out tomorrow. This is why investors are advised to watch their assets carefully and exit positions that are not benefiting them in the long-term.
    • Growth stocks are not a get-rich-quick-scheme: While certain popular films might lead you to believe that you’ll get rich by finding just one large cap stock before it takes off, that’s often not the case. You want to diversify your portfolio and enjoy the benefits of large cap stocks without putting all your eggs in one basket.
    • Growth stocks take time: Just as you cannot get rich quick, you need to be prepared to wait for quite some time. As growth stocks…grow, they wll show you that they have potential over a long period of time.

    Growth Stocks Will Find a Way Into Your Portfolio One Way or Another

    Investing in growth stocks is in some ways inevitable. Even if you only purchase Target Date Funds in your 401(k), you’re getting in on the action. Most ETFs and mutual funds are composed of the most successful growth stocks in the market like Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Facebook. But the key for truly successful investors is to find that next great growth stock before its CEO is plastered all over the covers of Forbes and Fortune. By looking at revenue growth numbers and potential market capture, you could find the next Amazon before its share price quintuples.

    Remember, some assets can become growth stocks, and you should look out for investments that you want to hold as opposed to selling them off in a swing trade scenario.

    Ready to start investing? Check out Benzinga’s top picks for the best online brokers for beginners, how to invest in dividend stocks and the best investing books.

    Q

    What are growth stocks?

    1
    What are growth stocks?
    asked
    A
    1

    Growth stocks are shares in companies that are growing and have the potential to continue that growth and increase profitability.

    answered
    Q

    What kind of brokers handle growth stocks?

    1
    What kind of brokers handle growth stocks?
    asked
    A
    1

    You can find a list of brokers that handle growth stocks on the list above.

    answered
    Q

    Is Shopify a growth stock?

    1
    Is Shopify a growth stock?
    asked
    A
    1

    Yes, Shopify is considered a growth stock.

    answered

    The post Best Growth Stocks Right Now by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-growth-stocks/feed 0 https://cdnwp-s3.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/23162111/2vmcpbur6w8.jpg     Best Swing Trade Stocks https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-swing-trade-stocks Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:15:30 +0000 https://www.benzinga.com/?page_id=27288 The post Best Swing Trade Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Day trading might sound like a fun way to make a living, but it’s a hard game for new traders to break into. Not only do day traders need high-tech stock scanners to locate stocks with potential, but the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has strict rules in place limiting who can day trade. Remember, you … Continued

    The post Best Swing Trade Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    ]]>     The post Best Swing Trade Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

    Day trading might sound like a fun way to make a living, but it’s a hard game for new traders to break into. Not only do day traders need high-tech stock scanners to locate stocks with potential, but the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has strict rules in place limiting who can day trade. Remember, you must take great pains to get certified and learn the trade before you start spending your hard-earned money.

    Unless you have an account balance of $25,000, you’ll be limited to 3-day trades in a rolling 5-day period. That means if you complete 3-day trades on Monday and open a new position on Tuesday, you’ll need to hold that position overnight to avoid getting flagged with a pattern day trader (PDT) violation. But most brokers won’t even let a 4th-day trade execute — and you could be stuck holding the bag. Weigh these risks against the rewards that might be out there before making that next trade.

    To avoid these FINRA restrictions, many investors use swing trading. Swing trading is still a short-term trading strategy but stocks are held overnight to avoid the PDT rules. Swing traders hold stocks for 24 hours to 2 days hoping to profit off high volume swings like short squeezes or earnings beats (misses). 

    Your swing trading strategy should match your needs overall, but you need to look at what a price move is doing to your strategy today, an exit point for these investments and stocks to swing trade today.

    Quick Look at the Best Swing Trade Stocks:

    Table of contents [Show]

    Overview: What Are Swing Trade Stocks?

    Swing traders expose themselves to the most volatile moves by holding overnight, however, the profits can be exponentially higher, especially if using options. The best stocks for swing trading are ones with known catalysts, high volume and enough volatility to make short-term trading profitable. Remember, your trading plan should dictate what you do and you should use stop loss orders to protect yourself.

    Sectors matter little when swing trading, nor do fundamentals. This is not investing for the long term, so technical signals matter more than price ratios and debt loads. A company with a mountain of long-term debt and dry cash flow can still be a perfectly profitable swing trade. At the same time, you may need to move away from that asset for a while before you try a swing trade in the future.

    Successful swing traders have to be nimble with their convictions — a stock with accumulating volume ahead of earnings might be one to sell short instead of buy. Swing traders use a variety of different strategies to enhance profits, but the stocks they look for all share a few common characteristics. At the same time, good characteristics might not be enough for your portfolio. Do your research, only invest in assets you understand and construct your portfolio in a manner that matches your strategy. Don’t just go along with the crowd when there are so many stocks to choose from because you can trade stocks in your own time, use the trading system you prefer and look for price action that works best for you.

    At the same time, you might circle back to certain assets over time. What does this mean? You might swing trade a stock in the next few days, and you might go back to it in a few months because it presents yet another option for you to make money. At the same time, you need to be sure that the trade you’re planning can last as long as needed so that you can make money. Some swing trades won’t work out because of the timeframe, and that’s alright.

    You can find options online to help you get started swing trading. Mindful Trader provides stock picks and options picks, but it can also teach you the trading strategy behind them. The Mindful Trader approach is based on data and statistics. Sign on for support from Mindful Trader for just a flat $47 per month.

    Best Online Brokers for Swing Trade Stocks

    Swing trading and long-term investing are completely different animals, so you’ll need a broker that fits your needs. Swing traders should look for brokers with $0 commission or discounts on high-volume trading. Remember, not every broker is the same, and you should choose the bonuses, interface and information you prefer.

    You don’t need a $25,000 account balance to swing trade, but you’ll likely need a margin account if you want to sell short or swing trade with options. Remember, margin trading comes with quite a bit of risk, but it can be profitable if managed well. And since the best swing trading stocks are often thinly-traded small caps with only a handful of shares available, make sure your broker has a wide assortment of stocks to trade. You should also make sure that the platform is so easy to use that you can make snap decisions without waiting for the broker to catch up.

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    Interactive Brokers
    get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active and Global Traders
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

    IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

    Best For
    • Access to international markets
    • Active traders
    • Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
    • Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets
    Pros
    • IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
    • Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
    • Industry’s lowest margin rates
    • Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares
    Cons
    • Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources
    Plus500
    get started securely through Plus500’s website
    More Details
    Disclosure: 80% of retail accounts lose money
    Best For
    Leveraged Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

    Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

    The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience
    Pros
    • Great mobile app
    • Low spreads and commissions
    • Unlimited demo account
    Cons
    • Only derivatives are available
    • Not open to U.S. residents
    public.com
    get started securely through public.com’s website
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    Best For
    Trading Ideas
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

    Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

     

    Best For
    • Stock and ETF investors
    • Crypto investors
    • Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options
    Pros
    • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
    • Fractional share investing
    • Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium
    Cons
    • You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
    • No mutual funds or precious metals
    • At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs
    Robinhood
    get started securely through Robinhood’s website
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    Best For
    Commission-Free Mobile Trading
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

    Best For
    • Beginners looking for simplicity
    • Mobile-first investors
    • Commission-free trades
    Pros
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • Instant double
    • Cash management
    • Access to cryptocurrencies
    Cons
    • Limited research tools
    • No mutual funds available
    • Basic customer support options
    TradeZero
    get started securely through TradeZero’s website
    More Details
    Best For
    Active Short Sellers
    N/A
    1 Minute Review

    TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

    Best For
    • Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
    • Those attracted to commission-free trades
    • Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program
    Pros
    • 24/7 live customer support
    • Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
    • Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go
    Cons
    • Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
    • Mobile app could offer more features

    Features to Look for in Swing Trade Stocks

    When searching for swing trading stocks, don’t look at debt levels or price-earnings ratios. Those stats might matter for a company’s long-term prospects, but swing traders care about where a stock will be a couple of days, not a couple of years or decades. This is why swing trading tactics are so important because every trade opportunity is different, and you must seize the moment when you can.

    Here’s what to look for if you want to get into swing trading.

    1. Catalyst: Most swing trades begin by locating a catalyst that could trigger a powerful move in a stock. This could be a clinical trial in a pharmaceutical company, an unexpected earnings miss or beat, or even the removal of an executive or CEO. 
    1. Volume: Big moves in short time frames are impossible without significant volume in the stock. Sure, lightly-traded stocks can be coerced into big moves without much volume. But in the majority of your swing trades look for stocks with more volume than usual.
    1. Volatility: With great volume comes great volatility. Volatile stocks are good swing trading stocks because swing traders profit from large, short-term moves. A stock trading in a tight weekly range likely won’t produce a ton of opportunities for profit. But if 5% moves are occurring daily, you’ll find plenty of chances for swing trades.
    2. Information: You need information on these stocks if you plan to swing trade. Remember, if you can’t pull up the information, you might not want to swing trade. If you cannot properly research an asset, why would you invest in it? For more data, you can check out Benzinga every day as there’s always new news, current events and figures for investors to review.

    Swing Trading for Short-Term Profits

    Swing trading is not a long-term investing strategy. In fact, it’s not even really investing at all. The stock market is an accounting system for long-term financial prospects and investors use it to get a piece of those (eventual) profits. But swing traders look at the market differently. By using technical trading signals in volatile markets, swing traders can make great profits in short time periods. Swing trading requires precision and quickness, but you also need a short memory.

    You will have a trade blow-up when swing trading; how you react determines how successful you can be as a swing trader in the long run. Remember, you can adjust your portfolio at any time, and you can use these stocks to your advantage. If they don’t seem to offer the performance or results that you desire, you can move on to other assets.

    You cannot swing trade everything, and you cannot build diversity in your portfolio if you don’t plan to hold some items and sell others. That’s the nature of investing. Nothing is perfect, nothing can be thought of as sacred and there are times when you simply need to move on. You could, however, come back to these assets in the future if they suit you once more.

    Want to learn more? Check out Benzinga’s guides to the best swing trading courses, best online brokerages, free stock trading and best stocks under $5. You can learn more about market conditions, resistance levels, trendlines and more.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    Can you become wealthy swing trading?

    1
    Can you become wealthy swing trading?
    asked
    A
    1

    Swing trading can produce higher returns than the averages, but you must have a good strategy and be alert for changes.

    answered
    Q

    How much do you need to start swing trading?

    1
    How much do you need to start swing trading?
    asked
    A
    1

    The best amount is between $5,000 and $10,000.

    answered
    Q

    Where can I find good swing trade stocks?

    1
    Where can I find good swing trade stocks?
    asked
    A
    1

    You can find a list of Benzinga’s recommendations for swing trade stocks above.

    answered

    The post Best Swing Trade Stocks by Dan Schmidt appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

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