We Asked ChatGPT What the Top-Performing Stocks of 2026 Will Be: Do Investing Experts Agree?

Core Viewpoint - The stock markets achieved record highs in 2025, with the S&P 500 up 17.5%, Nasdaq gaining 21.5%, and Dow increasing by 14.1%. Predictions for 2026 suggest potential top performers among certain stocks, as identified by ChatGPT [1]. Group 1: Nvidia (NVDA) - Nvidia is highlighted as a top stock pick due to its leadership in GPUs for AI data centers, benefiting from ongoing data center expansion and AI compute demand [7]. - Risks associated with Nvidia include a very high valuation and potential supply chain/export/competitive risks. A slowdown in AI hype could lead to a contraction in its valuation multiple [7]. - Key factors to monitor in 2026 include earnings growth, new GPU launches, data center contract pipeline, and margin trends [7]. Group 2: Microsoft (MSFT) - Microsoft is recognized as a leading AI infrastructure/cloud play with a strong recurring revenue base and significant market share in cloud, enterprise, and AI tools [8]. - Risks for Microsoft involve potential deceleration in stock growth due to "valuation crowding," indicating shares may soon be perceived as overvalued [8]. - Important aspects to watch in 2026 include growth in Microsoft's cloud computing service business and continued AI product launches [8].