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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 148 (from laksa061)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa148.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/","crawl_time":1775684916,"first_indexed_time":1651269755,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bankrate!www,\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/ s443","src_root_hash":"16841441868536461148","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Best Stocks For 2026 | Bankrate","meta_descriptions":["Many top stocks deliver solid returns year after year. These are the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far in 2026.","Many top stocks deliver solid returns year after year. These are the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far in 2026."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Best-performing stocks in 2026\nWritten by\nand\nEdited by\nAs of\nFebruary 26, 2026\nThe Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns\n—\naveraging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the\nS&P 500\nso far in 2026.\nShow less\nRead more\nAt Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict\n, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for\n.\nBest S&P 500 stocks in 2026\nCompany and ticker symbol\nPerformance year-to-date in 2026\nSandisk Corp. (SNDK)\n172.8%\nTexas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL)\n75.8%\nModerna Inc. (MRNA)\n68.6%\nGenerac Holdings Inc. (GNRC)\n64.8%\nCorning Inc. (GLW)\n63.4%\nTeradyne Inc. (TER)\n59.8%\nWestern Digital (WDC)\n58.3%\nComfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX)\n50.6%\nSeagate Technology Holdings (STX)\n44.5%\nCiena Corp. (CIEN)\n43.1%\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\nOf course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase.\nBelow are the worst-performing S&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026.\nWorst-performing S&P 500 stocks in 2026\nCompany and ticker symbol\nPerformance year-to-date in 2026\nIntuit (INTU)\n-45.6%\nApplovin Corp. (APP)\n-44.3%\nGartner (IT)\n-42.1%\nWorkday (WDAY)\n-40.0%\nRobinhood Markets (HOOD)\n-37.8%\nThe Trade Desk (TTD)\n-36.7%\nEPAM Systems (EPAM)\n-36.6%\nServiceNow (NOW)\n-34.2%\nFactSet Research Systems (FDS)\n-34.1%\nExpedia Group (EXPE)\n-33.4%\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\nThe Magnificent 7 stocks\nHere’s how the\nMagnificent 7 stocks\nhave performed so far in 2026.\nCompany and ticker symbol\nPerformance year-to-date in 2026\nNvidia (NVDA)\n0.9%\nAlphabet (GOOGL)\n-1.7%\nApple (AAPL)\n-2.2%\nMeta Platforms (META)\n-3.8%\nAmazon (AMZN)\n-11.3%\nTesla (TSLA)\n-12.7%\nMicrosoft (MSFT)\n-20.6%\nTradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026\nAre these the best stocks to invest in right now?\nWhile the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work.\nSure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but\ndoing this research\nallows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell.\nIf you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off.\nWhat to look for when choosing stocks to buy\nYou’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy:\nStrong financials:\nLook at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time?\nSolid competitive position:\nIs the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition? \nGrowth:\nHas the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company. \nValuation:\nHow expensive is the stock\nrelative to its earnings and cash flow\n? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth.\nManagement:\nIs management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company?\nFuture opportunities:\nDoes the company have avenues to grow?\nThese things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including\nstock repurchases\nand\ndividends\n.\nHow to invest in the best stocks\nBut what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a\nfund based on the S&P 500 index\n. The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks.\nThat setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time.\nIndex funds come in two major variants:\nexchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds\n. Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every $10,000 invested.\nHowever, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates.\nBottom line\nFollowing the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and\nsell high\n. Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S&P 500 index fund.\nEditorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.\nRelated content","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#main-content)\n\n- [Banking](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/)\n  All\n  \n  Banking\n  \n  Checking & savings\n  \n  CDs\n  \n  Money market\n  \n  Banks\n  \n  [Explore all banking resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/)\n  \n  Banking\n  \n  Compare accounts\n  \n  - [Best high-yield savings accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/best-high-yield-interests-savings-accounts\/)\n  - [Best checking accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/checking\/best-checking-accounts\/)\n  - [Best free checking accounts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/checking\/best-free-checking-accounts\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Savings calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/simple-savings-calculator\/)\n  - 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[Excellent credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/rewards\/best-for-excellent-credit\/)\n  - [Good credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/building-credit\/best-for-good-credit\/)\n  - [Fair credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/building-credit\/best-for-fair-credit\/)\n  - [Bad credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/bad-credit\/best-for-bad-credit\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/2e8651b174\/how-to-build-credit-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to build credit 7 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/personal-finance\/credit\/how-to-build-credit-fast\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/5a53191033\/best-cards-for-building-credit-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Best cards for building credit Find out which credit cards could help](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/building-credit\/best-for-no-credit-history\/)\n  \n  See what the experts say\n  \n  Read in-depth credit card reviews to find out which cards have the best perks and more.\n  \n  [Read card reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/reviews\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Credit card payoff calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-card-payoff-calculator\/)\n  - [Balance transfer calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-card-balance-transfer-calculator\/)\n  - [Credit utilization calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-utilization-calculator\/)\n  - [Points and miles calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/points-and-miles-calculator\/)\n  - [All credit card calculators](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/43548bf9cd\/spender-type-tool-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Spender type tool Find cards that fit your needs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/spender-type-tool\/)\n  \n  Get advice\n  \n  - [Credit cards 101](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/advice\/)\n  - [Balance transfer advice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/)\n  - 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[Best personal loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Best personal loans for bad credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  - [Best debt consolidation loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/debt-consolidation-loans\/)\n  - [Best home improvement loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/home-improvement\/rates\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Personal loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/)\n  - [Personal loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Personal loans calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/personal-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Average personal loan interest rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/average-personal-loan-rates\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/38750a2d5a\/what-is-a-certified-financial-planner-s.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Personal loan basics 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/what-is-a-personal-loan\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a personal loan 11 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/personal-loans\/how-to-get-personal-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Best auto loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Best auto loan refinance rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/refinance-rates\/)\n  - [Best car loans for bad credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Auto loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/)\n  - [Auto loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Auto loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/auto-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Auto loan refinancing guide](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/how-to-refinance-car-loan\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/d1a328a134\/auto-loan-refinancing-guide-nav.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get the best auto loan rate 10 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/how-to-get-the-best-auto-loan-rate\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/720x720\/c481afa0d2\/auto-loan-refinancing-guide-s.jpg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Auto loan basics 5 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/auto-loans\/what-is-an-auto-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Student loan rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/rates\/)\n  - [Student loan refinancing rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/refinance-rates\/)\n  - [Best bad credit student loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/bad-credit-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Student loan resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/)\n  - [Student loan lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/reviews\/)\n  - [Student loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/)\n  - [Student loan refinance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/student-loan-refinance-calculator\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/3d6f458d84\/how-to-start-investing-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Private student loan basics 10 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/private-student-loans-guide\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a student loan 11 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/student-loans\/how-to-get-student-loan\/)\n  \n  Compare lenders\n  \n  - [Best small business loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/best-small-business-loans\/)\n  - [Bad credit small business loans](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/bad-credit-business-loans\/)\n  - [Business lines of credit](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/business-line-of-credit\/)\n  - [Small business loan banks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/best-banks-for-small-business-loans\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Small business loans resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/)\n  - [Small business loan reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/reviews\/)\n  - [Small business loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/business-loan-calculator\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/4c26764452\/how-to-start-saving.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How small business loans work 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/how-do-small-business-loans-work\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/38750a2d5a\/what-is-a-certified-financial-planner-s.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to get a business loan 9 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/small-business\/how-to-get-a-business-loan\/)\n  \n  [Explore all loans resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/)\n- [Home equity](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n  All\n  \n  Home equity\n  \n  HELOC\n  \n  Home equity loans\n  \n  [Explore all home equity resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n  \n  Home equity\n  \n  HELOC\n  \n  A HELOC is a variable-rate line of credit that lets you borrow funds for a set period and repay them later.\n  \n  [HELOC Rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-rates\/)\n  \n  Home equity basics\n  \n  - [Best HELOC lenders](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-lenders\/)\n  - [HELOC calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/heloc-calculator\/)\n  - [What is a HELOC?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-heloc\/)\n  - [Pros and cons of HELOCs](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/pros-cons-of-home-equity-lines\/)\n  - [Home equity lender reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/reviews\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/e9e92b7729\/home-equity-heloc-guide-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) What is home equity? 8 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-home-equity\/)\n  - [![Home purchase](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1280x720\/98576f9f53\/home-purchase.jpeg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How to calculate home equity 6 min read](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/how-to-calculate-equity-in-your-home\/)\n  \n  Home equity loans\n  \n  Home equity loans let you borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate, based on how much of the home you own outright.\n  \n  [Home equity loan rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-rates\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [What is a home equity loan?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/what-is-home-equity-loan\/)\n  - [Home equity loan pros and cons](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/pros-cons-home-equity-loan\/)\n  - [Home equity loan requirements](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/requirements-to-borrow-from-home-equity\/)\n  - [HELOC vs home equity loan](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-vs-line-of-credit\/)\n  - [How to build home equity](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/how-to-build-equity-in-your-home\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/721x720\/bad3fd8f56\/heloc-lender-reviews-s.jpg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Best home equity loan lenders Compare top home equity lenders](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-loan-lenders\/)\n  - [![CD Rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1920x1080\/2654611691\/cd-rates.jpeg\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home equity calculator Calculate how much you can borrow](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/home-equity-calculator\/)\n  \n  [Explore all home equity resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/home-equity\/)\n- [Insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n  All\n  \n  Insurance\n  \n  Auto insurance\n  \n  Home insurance\n  \n  Tools & reviews\n  \n  [Explore all insurance resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n  \n  Insurance\n  \n  Compare rates\n  \n  - [Car insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-quotes\/)\n  - [Best car insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/best-car-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Cheapest car insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/cheap-car-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Compare car insurance rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/average-cost-of-car-insurance\/)\n  \n  Popular states\n  \n  - [California](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/california\/)\n  - [Florida](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/florida\/)\n  - [Texas](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/texas\/)\n  - [Ohio](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/ohio\/)\n  - [Auto insurance by state](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/states\/)\n  \n  - [![Person smiling while sitting in car](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/5bfb00cc0b\/auto-insurance-by-state.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) How much is car insurance? Average cost of car insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/average-cost-of-car-insurance\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/20e5cbc3e7\/how-much-is-car-insurance-nav.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Car insurance resources Learn more about car insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/)\n  \n  Compare rates\n  \n  - [Home insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-quotes\/)\n  - [Best home insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/best-home-insurance-companies\/)\n  - [Cheapest home insurance companies](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/cheap-homeowners-insurance\/)\n  - [Best home and auto bundles](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car-and-home-insurance-bundle\/)\n  \n  Popular states\n  \n  - [California](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/california\/)\n  - [Florida](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/florida\/)\n  - [Texas](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/texas\/)\n  - [New Jersey](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/new-jersey\/)\n  - [Home insurance by state](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/states\/)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/8af9dfc8a2\/home-insurance-by-state-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home insurance cost Average cost of home insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/homeowners-insurance-cost\/)\n  - [![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1440x1440\/e85a91b40b\/how-much-is-home-insurance-nav-imagery.png\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) Home insurance resources Learn more about home insurance](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/)\n  \n  Calculators\n  \n  - [Car insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-calculator\/)\n  - [Home insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-calculator\/)\n  \n  Get guidance\n  \n  - [Allstate insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/allstate\/)\n  - [Progressive insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/progressive\/)\n  - [State Farm insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/state-farm\/)\n  - [Travelers insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/travelers\/)\n  - [Lemonade insurance review](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/lemonade\/)\n  \n  - [![Design element two people looking at a car](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/475x270\/8e81cf93f6\/insurance_best_car_insurance_companies.webp\/m\/50x50\/filters:quality\$90\$:format\$webp\$) All insurance company reviews Browse insurance carrier reviews](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/reviews\/)\n  \n  [Explore all insurance resources](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/)\n\n[Log in Log in or sign up](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/member\/auth\/login?returnTo=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Fauth%2Freturn%3Fpath%3D%252Finvesting%252Fbest-performing-stocks%252F)\n\n**Popular searches**\n\n- [Mortgage rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/mortgage-rates\/)\n- [Balance transfer credit cards](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/balance-transfer\/best-balance-transfer-cards\/)\n- [Car insurance quotes](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/insurance\/car\/car-insurance-quotes\/)\n\n**Tools**\n\n- [Mortgage calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/mortgage-calculator\/)\n- [Loan calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/loans\/loan-calculator\/)\n- [CD calculator](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/cds\/cd-calculator\/)\n\nAdvertiser Disclosure\n\n# Best-performing stocks in 2026\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) ![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/05\/20103456\/brian-baker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\nWritten by\n\nJames Royal, Ph.D.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nFormer Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing\n- •  Wealth management\n\nFormer Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nClose\n\n[James Royal, Ph.D.](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/james-royal\/)\n\nand\n\nBrian Baker, CFA\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/05\/20103456\/brian-baker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[Brian Baker, CFA](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/brian-baker-cfa\/)\n\nFormer Senior Writer, Investing and Retirement\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing\n- •  Wealth management\n\n16 Years of experience\n\nBrian Baker covered investing and retirement for Bankrate. He is a CFA Charterholder and previously worked in equity research at a buyside investment firm. Baker is passionate about helping people make sense of complicated financial topics so that they can better plan for their financial futures.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/brian-baker-cfa\/)\n\nClose\n\n[Brian Baker, CFA](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/brian-baker-cfa\/)\n\n\\+ 1 other\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/10\/23192234\/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\nEdited by\n\nAndrea Coombes, CFP®\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/10\/23192234\/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\nEditor\n\nCredentials\n\n- •  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing\n- •  Real estate\n\nAndrea Coombes, a Bankrate editor, translates complex personal finance topics into understandable language that helps people live their best financial lives. She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and over the past 25 years has worked as a financial coach, personal finance writer and editor and volunteer tax preparer. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MarketWatch and many newspapers nationwide. She's been interviewed on local and national TV and radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, CBS News, Nasdaq and Marketplace.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\nClose\n\n[Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/10\/23192234\/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\nEdited by\n\nAndrea Coombes, CFP®\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/10\/23192234\/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)\n\n[Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\nEditor\n\nCredentials\n\n- •  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™\n\nExpertise\n\n- •  Investing\n- •  Real estate\n\nAndrea Coombes, a Bankrate editor, translates complex personal finance topics into understandable language that helps people live their best financial lives. She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and over the past 25 years has worked as a financial coach, personal finance writer and editor and volunteer tax preparer. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MarketWatch and many newspapers nationwide. She's been interviewed on local and national TV and radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, CBS News, Nasdaq and Marketplace.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\nClose\n\n[Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/andrea-coombes-cfp\/)\n\nAs of February 26, 2026\n\nThe Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns — averaging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the [S\\&P 500](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-sp-500\/) so far in 2026.\n\nShow less\n\nRead more\n\n#### The Bankrate promise\nMore info\n\nAt Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money.\n\nOn This Page\n\n- [Best S\\&P 500 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#best-snp-500)\n- [Worst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#worst-snp-500)\n- [Widely held stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#widely-held)\n- [Are these the best stocks to invest in right now?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#right-now)\n- [What to look for when choosing stocks to buy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#what-to-look-for)\n- [How to invest in the best stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#how-to-invest-in-the-best-stocks)\n\nOn This Page\n\nJump to\n\n## Best S\\&P 500 stocks in 2026\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Sandisk Corp. (SNDK) | 172\\.8% |\n| Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) | 75\\.8% |\n| Moderna Inc. (MRNA) | 68\\.6% |\n| Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) | 64\\.8% |\n| Corning Inc. (GLW) | 63\\.4% |\n| Teradyne Inc. (TER) | 59\\.8% |\n| Western Digital (WDC) | 58\\.3% |\n| Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) | 50\\.6% |\n| Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) | 44\\.5% |\n| Ciena Corp. (CIEN) | 43\\.1% |\n\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\nOf course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase.\n\nBelow are the worst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026.\n\n![](https:\/\/navi.cohesionapps.com\/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=undefined&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fbest-performing-stocks%2F&ref=)\n\n## Worst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks in 2026\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Intuit (INTU) | \\-45.6% |\n| Applovin Corp. (APP) | \\-44.3% |\n| Gartner (IT) | \\-42.1% |\n| Workday (WDAY) | \\-40.0% |\n| Robinhood Markets (HOOD) | \\-37.8% |\n| The Trade Desk (TTD) | \\-36.7% |\n| EPAM Systems (EPAM) | \\-36.6% |\n| ServiceNow (NOW) | \\-34.2% |\n| FactSet Research Systems (FDS) | \\-34.1% |\n| Expedia Group (EXPE) | \\-33.4% |\n\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\n## The Magnificent 7 stocks\nHere’s how the [Magnificent 7 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/magnificent-7-stocks\/) have performed so far in 2026.\n\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Nvidia (NVDA) | 0\\.9% |\n| Alphabet (GOOGL) | \\-1.7% |\n| Apple (AAPL) | \\-2.2% |\n| Meta Platforms (META) | \\-3.8% |\n| Amazon (AMZN) | \\-11.3% |\n| Tesla (TSLA) | \\-12.7% |\n| Microsoft (MSFT) | \\-20.6% |\n\nTradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\n![](https:\/\/navi.cohesionapps.com\/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=undefined&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fbest-performing-stocks%2F&ref=)\n\n## Are these the best stocks to invest in right now?\nWhile the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work.\n\nSure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but [doing this research](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-pick-a-stock-essential-steps-for-beginners\/) allows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell.\n\nIf you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off.\n\n## What to look for when choosing stocks to buy\nYou’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy:\n\n- **Strong financials:** Look at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time?\n- **Solid competitive position:** Is the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition?\n- **Growth:** Has the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company.\n- **Valuation:** How expensive is the stock [relative to its earnings and cash flow](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/important-financial-ratios\/)? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth.\n- **Management:** Is management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company?\n- **Future opportunities:** Does the company have avenues to grow?\n\nThese things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including [stock repurchases](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/stock-buybacks\/) and [dividends](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-invest-in-dividend-stocks\/).\n\n## How to invest in the best stocks\nBut what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a [fund based on the S\\&P 500 index](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-index-funds\/). The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks.\n\nThat setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time.\n\nIndex funds come in two major variants: [exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/mutual-fund-vs-etf-which-is-better\/). Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every \\$10,000 invested.\n\nHowever, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates.\n\n## Bottom line\nFollowing the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and [sell high](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/when-to-sell-stock\/). Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S\\&P 500 index fund.\n\n*Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.*\n\n## Related content\n##\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1280x720\/22762f5846\/best-energy-stocks.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale)\n\n#### [Best-performing energy stocks Previously Read 2 MIN READ](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1280x720\/ba8f272d78\/best-snp-500-stocks-for-dividend-growth.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale)\n\n#### [Best S\\&P 500 stocks for dividend growth Previously Read 3 MIN READ](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/high-dividend-stocks\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/f\/102997\/1280x720\/2a8ed1aae3\/the-dow-nasdaq-sp-500-differences.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale)\n\n#### [The Dow vs. Nasdaq vs. S\\&P 500 Previously Read 3 MIN READ](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/the-dow-nasdaq-sp-500-differences\/)\n\n## [Bankrate logo](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/)\n### About\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/about\/)\n- [Leadership](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/leadership\/)\n- [Press room](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/press-releases\/)\n- [Bankrate Data Center](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/data-center\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/careers\/)\n- [Site map](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/corporate\/site-map\/)\n\n### Help\n- [Compare rates](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/compare-rates\/)\n- [Latest news](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/news\/)\n- [Popular topics](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/popular-finance-topics\/)\n- [Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/media-kit\/)\n\n### Legal\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/privacy\/)\n- Cookie settings\n- [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information\/)\n- [Consumer Health Information Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/consumer-health-information-privacy-policy\/)\n- [Understanding Bankrate’s averages](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/understanding-bankrates-rate-averages\/)\n- [Terms of use](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/terms\/)\n- [GLBA annual notice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/glba-notice\/)\n- [California Consumer Financial Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2022\/02\/15094901\/california-notice.pdf)\n- [Licenses](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/licenses\/)\n\n### How we make money\nBankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Our websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Therefore, this compensation may impact what products appear and how, where, and in what order they appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.\n\nBankrate, LLC NMLS ID\\# 1427381 \\| [NMLS Consumer Access](http:\/\/www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org\/EntityDetails.aspx\/COMPANY\/1427381)  \n BR Tech Services, Inc. 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The information, including any rates, terms and fees associated with financial products, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of publication.\n\n##### The Bankrate promise\nFounded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.\n\nBankrate follows a strict [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/editorial-guidelines\/ \"editorial policy\"), so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by [highly qualified professionals](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/authors\/ \"highly qualified professionals\") and edited by [subject matter experts](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/financial-review-board\/ \"subject matter experts\"), who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.\n\nOur investing reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most — how to get started, the best brokers, types of investment accounts, how to choose investments and more — so you can feel confident when investing your money.\n\n**Investing disclosure:**\n\nThe investment information provided in this table is for informational and general educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or financial advice. Bankrate does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it provide individualized recommendations or personalized investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on an evaluation of your own personal financial situation, needs, risk tolerance and investment objectives. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal.\n\n##### Editorial integrity\nBankrate follows a strict [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/editorial-guidelines\/ \"editorial policy\"), so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.\n\n###### Key Principles\nWe value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.\n\n###### Editorial Independence\nBankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.\n\n##### How we make money\nYou have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.\n\nBankrate follows a strict [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/editorial-guidelines\/ \"editorial policy\"), so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.\n\nWe’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.\n\nBankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Our websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Therefore, this compensation may impact what products appear and how, where, and in what order they appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.\n\nOn This Page\n\n- [Best S\\&P 500 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#best-snp-500)\n- [Worst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#worst-snp-500)\n- [Widely held stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#widely-held)\n- [Are these the best stocks to invest in right now?](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#right-now)\n- [What to look for when choosing stocks to buy](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#what-to-look-for)\n- [How to invest in the best stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-performing-stocks\/#how-to-invest-in-the-best-stocks)\n\nPrev\n\nNext\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=1805085980359671&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=1564326531369118&ev=PageView&noscript=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Best-performing stocks in 2026\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/10\/26151853\/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) ![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/2021\/05\/20103456\/brian-baker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)  Written by   and\n\n![](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/brp\/2024\/10\/23192234\/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart)  Edited by\n\nAs of February 26, 2026\n\nThe Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns — averaging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the [S\\&P 500](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/what-is-sp-500\/) so far in 2026.\n\nShow less\n\nRead more\n\nAt Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .\n\nBest S\\&P 500 stocks in 2026\n\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Sandisk Corp. (SNDK) | 172\\.8% |\n| Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) | 75\\.8% |\n| Moderna Inc. (MRNA) | 68\\.6% |\n| Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) | 64\\.8% |\n| Corning Inc. (GLW) | 63\\.4% |\n| Teradyne Inc. (TER) | 59\\.8% |\n| Western Digital (WDC) | 58\\.3% |\n| Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) | 50\\.6% |\n| Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) | 44\\.5% |\n| Ciena Corp. (CIEN) | 43\\.1% |\n\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\nOf course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase.\n\nBelow are the worst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026.\n\nWorst-performing S\\&P 500 stocks in 2026\n\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Intuit (INTU) | \\-45.6% |\n| Applovin Corp. (APP) | \\-44.3% |\n| Gartner (IT) | \\-42.1% |\n| Workday (WDAY) | \\-40.0% |\n| Robinhood Markets (HOOD) | \\-37.8% |\n| The Trade Desk (TTD) | \\-36.7% |\n| EPAM Systems (EPAM) | \\-36.6% |\n| ServiceNow (NOW) | \\-34.2% |\n| FactSet Research Systems (FDS) | \\-34.1% |\n| Expedia Group (EXPE) | \\-33.4% |\n\nData from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\nThe Magnificent 7 stocks\n\nHere’s how the [Magnificent 7 stocks](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/magnificent-7-stocks\/) have performed so far in 2026.\n\n| Company and ticker symbol | Performance year-to-date in 2026 |\n|---|---|\n| Nvidia (NVDA) | 0\\.9% |\n| Alphabet (GOOGL) | \\-1.7% |\n| Apple (AAPL) | \\-2.2% |\n| Meta Platforms (META) | \\-3.8% |\n| Amazon (AMZN) | \\-11.3% |\n| Tesla (TSLA) | \\-12.7% |\n| Microsoft (MSFT) | \\-20.6% |\n\nTradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026\n\nAre these the best stocks to invest in right now?\n\nWhile the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work.\n\nSure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but [doing this research](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-pick-a-stock-essential-steps-for-beginners\/) allows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell.\n\nIf you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off.\n\nWhat to look for when choosing stocks to buy\n\nYou’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy:\n\n- **Strong financials:** Look at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time?\n- **Solid competitive position:** Is the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition?\n- **Growth:** Has the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company.\n- **Valuation:** How expensive is the stock [relative to its earnings and cash flow](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/important-financial-ratios\/)? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth.\n- **Management:** Is management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company?\n- **Future opportunities:** Does the company have avenues to grow?\n\nThese things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including [stock repurchases](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/stock-buybacks\/) and [dividends](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/how-to-invest-in-dividend-stocks\/).\n\nHow to invest in the best stocks\n\nBut what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a [fund based on the S\\&P 500 index](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/best-index-funds\/). The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks.\n\nThat setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time.\n\nIndex funds come in two major variants: [exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/mutual-fund-vs-etf-which-is-better\/). Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every \\$10,000 invested.\n\nHowever, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates.\n\nBottom line\n\nFollowing the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and [sell high](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/investing\/when-to-sell-stock\/). Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S\\&P 500 index fund.\n\n*Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.*\n\nRelated content","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/
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Meta Title	Best Stocks For 2026 \| Bankrate
Meta Description	Many top stocks deliver solid returns year after year. These are the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far in 2026., Many top stocks deliver solid returns year after year. These are the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far in 2026.
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Boilerpipe Text	Best-performing stocks in 2026 Written by and Edited by As of February 26, 2026 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns — averaging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500 so far in 2026. Show less Read more At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . Best S&P 500 stocks in 2026 Company and ticker symbol Performance year-to-date in 2026 Sandisk Corp. (SNDK) 172.8% Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) 75.8% Moderna Inc. (MRNA) 68.6% Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) 64.8% Corning Inc. (GLW) 63.4% Teradyne Inc. (TER) 59.8% Western Digital (WDC) 58.3% Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) 50.6% Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) 44.5% Ciena Corp. (CIEN) 43.1% Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 Of course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase. Below are the worst-performing S&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026. Worst-performing S&P 500 stocks in 2026 Company and ticker symbol Performance year-to-date in 2026 Intuit (INTU) -45.6% Applovin Corp. (APP) -44.3% Gartner (IT) -42.1% Workday (WDAY) -40.0% Robinhood Markets (HOOD) -37.8% The Trade Desk (TTD) -36.7% EPAM Systems (EPAM) -36.6% ServiceNow (NOW) -34.2% FactSet Research Systems (FDS) -34.1% Expedia Group (EXPE) -33.4% Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 The Magnificent 7 stocks Here’s how the Magnificent 7 stocks have performed so far in 2026. Company and ticker symbol Performance year-to-date in 2026 Nvidia (NVDA) 0.9% Alphabet (GOOGL) -1.7% Apple (AAPL) -2.2% Meta Platforms (META) -3.8% Amazon (AMZN) -11.3% Tesla (TSLA) -12.7% Microsoft (MSFT) -20.6% TradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026 Are these the best stocks to invest in right now? While the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work. Sure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but doing this research allows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell. If you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off. What to look for when choosing stocks to buy You’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy: Strong financials: Look at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time? Solid competitive position: Is the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition? Growth: Has the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company. Valuation: How expensive is the stock relative to its earnings and cash flow ? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth. Management: Is management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company? Future opportunities: Does the company have avenues to grow? These things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including stock repurchases and dividends . How to invest in the best stocks But what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a fund based on the S&P 500 index . The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks. That setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time. Index funds come in two major variants: exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds . Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every $10,000 invested. However, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates. Bottom line Following the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and sell high . Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S&P 500 index fund. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation. Related content
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Royal, Ph.D., covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited by CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and more. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) Close [James Royal, Ph.D.](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/james-royal/) and Brian Baker, CFA ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/05/20103456/brian-baker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) [Brian Baker, CFA](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/brian-baker-cfa/) Former Senior Writer, Investing and Retirement Expertise - • Investing - • Wealth management 16 Years of experience Brian Baker covered investing and retirement for Bankrate. He is a CFA Charterholder and previously worked in equity research at a buyside investment firm. Baker is passionate about helping people make sense of complicated financial topics so that they can better plan for their financial futures. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/brian-baker-cfa/) Close [Brian Baker, CFA](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/brian-baker-cfa/) \+ 1 other ![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/23192234/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Edited by Andrea Coombes, CFP® ![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/23192234/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) [Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) Editor Credentials - • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Expertise - • Investing - • Real estate Andrea Coombes, a Bankrate editor, translates complex personal finance topics into understandable language that helps people live their best financial lives. She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and over the past 25 years has worked as a financial coach, personal finance writer and editor and volunteer tax preparer. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MarketWatch and many newspapers nationwide. She's been interviewed on local and national TV and radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, CBS News, Nasdaq and Marketplace. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) Close [Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) ![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/23192234/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Edited by Andrea Coombes, CFP® ![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/23192234/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=64&height=64&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) [Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) Editor Credentials - • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Expertise - • Investing - • Real estate Andrea Coombes, a Bankrate editor, translates complex personal finance topics into understandable language that helps people live their best financial lives. She’s a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and over the past 25 years has worked as a financial coach, personal finance writer and editor and volunteer tax preparer. Her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MarketWatch and many newspapers nationwide. She's been interviewed on local and national TV and radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, CBS News, Nasdaq and Marketplace. [Read more](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) Close [Andrea Coombes, CFP®](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/andrea-coombes-cfp/) As of February 26, 2026 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns — averaging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the [S\&P 500](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-sp-500/) so far in 2026. Show less Read more #### The Bankrate promise More info At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money. On This Page - [Best S\&P 500 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#best-snp-500) - [Worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#worst-snp-500) - [Widely held stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#widely-held) - [Are these the best stocks to invest in right now?](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#right-now) - [What to look for when choosing stocks to buy](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#what-to-look-for) - [How to invest in the best stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#how-to-invest-in-the-best-stocks) On This Page Jump to ## Best S\&P 500 stocks in 2026 \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Sandisk Corp. (SNDK) \| 172\.8% \| \| Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) \| 75\.8% \| \| Moderna Inc. (MRNA) \| 68\.6% \| \| Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) \| 64\.8% \| \| Corning Inc. (GLW) \| 63\.4% \| \| Teradyne Inc. (TER) \| 59\.8% \| \| Western Digital (WDC) \| 58\.3% \| \| Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) \| 50\.6% \| \| Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) \| 44\.5% \| \| Ciena Corp. (CIEN) \| 43\.1% \| Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 Of course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase. Below are the worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026. ![](https://navi.cohesionapps.com/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=undefined&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fbest-performing-stocks%2F&ref=) ## Worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks in 2026 \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Intuit (INTU) \| \-45.6% \| \| Applovin Corp. (APP) \| \-44.3% \| \| Gartner (IT) \| \-42.1% \| \| Workday (WDAY) \| \-40.0% \| \| Robinhood Markets (HOOD) \| \-37.8% \| \| The Trade Desk (TTD) \| \-36.7% \| \| EPAM Systems (EPAM) \| \-36.6% \| \| ServiceNow (NOW) \| \-34.2% \| \| FactSet Research Systems (FDS) \| \-34.1% \| \| Expedia Group (EXPE) \| \-33.4% \| Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 ## The Magnificent 7 stocks Here’s how the [Magnificent 7 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/magnificent-7-stocks/) have performed so far in 2026. \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Nvidia (NVDA) \| 0\.9% \| \| Alphabet (GOOGL) \| \-1.7% \| \| Apple (AAPL) \| \-2.2% \| \| Meta Platforms (META) \| \-3.8% \| \| Amazon (AMZN) \| \-11.3% \| \| Tesla (TSLA) \| \-12.7% \| \| Microsoft (MSFT) \| \-20.6% \| TradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026 ![](https://navi.cohesionapps.com/display?write_key=wk_2M3TlVcWbz8i1RTZjLkSmbWfyQC&adId=undefined&req=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bankrate.com%2Finvesting%2Fbest-performing-stocks%2F&ref=) ## Are these the best stocks to invest in right now? While the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work. Sure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but [doing this research](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-pick-a-stock-essential-steps-for-beginners/) allows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell. If you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off. ## What to look for when choosing stocks to buy You’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy: - Strong financials: Look at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time? - Solid competitive position: Is the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition? - Growth: Has the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company. - Valuation: How expensive is the stock [relative to its earnings and cash flow](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/important-financial-ratios/)? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth. - Management: Is management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company? - Future opportunities: Does the company have avenues to grow? These things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including [stock repurchases](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/stock-buybacks/) and [dividends](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-dividend-stocks/). ## How to invest in the best stocks But what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a [fund based on the S\&P 500 index](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-index-funds/). The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks. That setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time. Index funds come in two major variants: [exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/mutual-fund-vs-etf-which-is-better/). Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every \$10,000 invested. However, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates. ## Bottom line Following the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and [sell high](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/when-to-sell-stock/). Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S\&P 500 index fund. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation. ## Related content ## ![](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/1280x720/22762f5846/best-energy-stocks.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale) #### [Best-performing energy stocks Previously Read 2 MIN READ](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/) ![](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/1280x720/ba8f272d78/best-snp-500-stocks-for-dividend-growth.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale) #### [Best S\&P 500 stocks for dividend growth Previously Read 3 MIN READ](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/high-dividend-stocks/) ![](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/1280x720/2a8ed1aae3/the-dow-nasdaq-sp-500-differences.jpeg?auto=webp&fit=crop&width=85&height=74&enable=upscale) #### [The Dow vs. Nasdaq vs. S\&P 500 Previously Read 3 MIN READ](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/the-dow-nasdaq-sp-500-differences/) ## [Bankrate logo](https://www.bankrate.com/) ### About - [About us](https://www.bankrate.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.bankrate.com/leadership/) - [Press room](https://www.bankrate.com/press-releases/) - [Bankrate Data Center](https://www.bankrate.com/data-center/) - [Careers](https://www.bankrate.com/careers/) - [Site map](https://www.bankrate.com/corporate/site-map/) ### Help - [Compare rates](https://www.bankrate.com/compare-rates/) - [Latest news](https://www.bankrate.com/news/) - [Popular topics](https://www.bankrate.com/popular-finance-topics/) - [Advertise with us](https://www.bankrate.com/media-kit/) ### Legal - [Privacy policy](https://www.bankrate.com/privacy/) - Cookie settings - [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://www.bankrate.com/do-not-sell-or-share-my-personal-information/) - [Consumer Health Information Privacy Policy](https://www.bankrate.com/consumer-health-information-privacy-policy/) - [Understanding Bankrate’s averages](https://www.bankrate.com/understanding-bankrates-rate-averages/) - [Terms of use](https://www.bankrate.com/terms/) - [GLBA annual notice](https://www.bankrate.com/glba-notice/) - [California Consumer Financial Privacy Notice](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/15094901/california-notice.pdf) - [Licenses](https://www.bankrate.com/licenses/) ### How we make money Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Our websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Therefore, this compensation may impact what products appear and how, where, and in what order they appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate, LLC NMLS ID\# 1427381 \\| [NMLS Consumer Access](http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/1427381) BR Tech Services, Inc. NMLS ID \#1743443 \\| [NMLS Consumer Access](http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/1743443) © 2026 Bankrate, LLC. 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On This Page - [Best S\&P 500 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#best-snp-500) - [Worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#worst-snp-500) - [Widely held stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#widely-held) - [Are these the best stocks to invest in right now?](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#right-now) - [What to look for when choosing stocks to buy](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#what-to-look-for) - [How to invest in the best stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-performing-stocks/#how-to-invest-in-the-best-stocks) Prev Next ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1805085980359671&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1564326531369118&ev=PageView&noscript=1)
Readable Markdown	Best-performing stocks in 2026 ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/10/26151853/James-Royal-headshot-scaled-square.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) ![](https://www.bankrate.com/2021/05/20103456/brian-baker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Written by and ![](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/10/23192234/andrea-coombes.png?auto=webp&quality=85&width=24&height=24&fit=cover&enable=upscale&crop=1:1,smart) Edited by As of February 26, 2026 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is one of the most highly followed stock indexes in the world, and it contains hundreds of America’s top companies. The index has a strong track record of returns — averaging about 10% annually over long periods. Investors regularly keep an eye on the index and the top stocks within it as a bellwether for the market and economy as a whole. While a list of top-performing stocks can’t guarantee future success, certain stocks may offer insights into potential future outperformers. Below are the best-performing stocks in the [S\&P 500](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/what-is-sp-500/) so far in 2026. Show less Read more At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for . Best S\&P 500 stocks in 2026 \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Sandisk Corp. (SNDK) \| 172\.8% \| \| Texas Pacific Land Corp. (TPL) \| 75\.8% \| \| Moderna Inc. (MRNA) \| 68\.6% \| \| Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) \| 64\.8% \| \| Corning Inc. (GLW) \| 63\.4% \| \| Teradyne Inc. (TER) \| 59\.8% \| \| Western Digital (WDC) \| 58\.3% \| \| Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX) \| 50\.6% \| \| Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) \| 44\.5% \| \| Ciena Corp. (CIEN) \| 43\.1% \| Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 Of course, not even great stocks can do well all the time, so it can be useful to keep an eye on underperforming stocks. That’s because this year’s underperformers can become next year’s outperformers, and if you find a once-stellar stock among the dogs, it may be ripe for a bargain purchase. Below are the worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks year-to-date in 2026. Worst-performing S\&P 500 stocks in 2026 \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Intuit (INTU) \| \-45.6% \| \| Applovin Corp. (APP) \| \-44.3% \| \| Gartner (IT) \| \-42.1% \| \| Workday (WDAY) \| \-40.0% \| \| Robinhood Markets (HOOD) \| \-37.8% \| \| The Trade Desk (TTD) \| \-36.7% \| \| EPAM Systems (EPAM) \| \-36.6% \| \| ServiceNow (NOW) \| \-34.2% \| \| FactSet Research Systems (FDS) \| \-34.1% \| \| Expedia Group (EXPE) \| \-33.4% \| Data from TradingView as of Feb. 23, 2026 The Magnificent 7 stocks Here’s how the [Magnificent 7 stocks](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/magnificent-7-stocks/) have performed so far in 2026. \| Company and ticker symbol \| Performance year-to-date in 2026 \| \|---\|---\| \| Nvidia (NVDA) \| 0\.9% \| \| Alphabet (GOOGL) \| \-1.7% \| \| Apple (AAPL) \| \-2.2% \| \| Meta Platforms (META) \| \-3.8% \| \| Amazon (AMZN) \| \-11.3% \| \| Tesla (TSLA) \| \-12.7% \| \| Microsoft (MSFT) \| \-20.6% \| TradingView data as of Feb. 23, 2026 Are these the best stocks to invest in right now? While the best-performing stocks above have performed well recently, that’s in the past now. As an investor you’ll need to determine whether these stocks are likely to go up in the future, if you want to buy them. That requires understanding the company, the industry, its competitive situation as well as analyzing the company’s statements such as its balance sheet. That’s a lot of work. Sure, these stocks may continue to go up for a while (or not), but [doing this research](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-pick-a-stock-essential-steps-for-beginners/) allows you to confidently judge whether to invest. Inevitably, even the best stocks go down sometimes, so you’ll need your knowledge to decide whether to stick with the company or sell. If you invest only in the stocks that have performed well recently — without that background knowledge — you’re likely to wind up buying high and selling low. You’ll tend to chase whatever is hot at the moment, but then sell once it cools off. What to look for when choosing stocks to buy You’ll want to look for a number of key features when evaluating which stocks to buy: - Strong financials: Look at the company’s balance sheet — is it on solid footing or does it have significant debt? Are the company’s margins improving? Are margins holding up well or are they declining over time? - Solid competitive position: Is the company’s competitive position continuing to improve or is it eroding due to competition? - Growth: Has the company been able to grow sales and earnings in the recent past? Declining sales tend to limit the options available for a company. - Valuation: How expensive is the stock [relative to its earnings and cash flow](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/important-financial-ratios/)? You’ll need a sense of how much you’re paying for the company’s future growth. - Management: Is management aligned with outside shareholders or are they enriching themselves at shareholders’ expense? How has management guided the business and are they telling shareholders the truth regarding the company? - Future opportunities: Does the company have avenues to grow? These things are key to a potential investment, but you’ll want to consider other factors such as the company’s capital allocation, including [stock repurchases](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/stock-buybacks/) and [dividends](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-dividend-stocks/). How to invest in the best stocks But what if you don’t want to do all of that work yet still enjoy the robust returns of the stock market? The good news is that any investor can participate, even without much knowledge. It’s easy for an investor of any skill level to purchase a [fund based on the S\&P 500 index](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-index-funds/). The fund owns stakes in all the companies in the index, meaning you own a tiny piece of hundreds of stocks. That setup also means that your performance will tend to track the performance of the index over time, about 10% annually over long periods, even if you’re not researching and analyzing the various stocks within it. By buying this kind of index fund, you’ll get the weighted average of all the holdings, and you’ll outperform most investors, even the pros, over time. Index funds come in two major variants: [exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/mutual-fund-vs-etf-which-is-better/). Each has some benefits and drawbacks. But either way, you get the ability to track an index and to do so at what is often a relatively low cost, often a few dollars a year for every \$10,000 invested. However, if you’re looking to earn the returns of the index, it’s vital that you hold the index fund through the ups and downs, giving the investment the time to ride out the volatility. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up selling low and buying high, as the index gyrates. Bottom line Following the hottest stocks helps you find out what the market likes, but if you’re investing in these individual stocks, you’ll need to research the business and understand what the opportunity is. A more lucrative way might be to scour through the underperforming stocks and find the businesses that will eventually go back into favor, allowing you to buy low and [sell high](https://www.bankrate.com/investing/when-to-sell-stock/). Or, if you want to invest in stocks without doing all that much research into individual companies, consider an S\&P 500 index fund. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation. Related content
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