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Stephanie Link's Top Investment Picks for 2026 and Beyond

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 12:33 GMT by CNBC

Navigating 2026: Stephanie Link's Top Picks and Investment Themes

Stephanie Link, chief investment officer at Hightower Advisors, is offering a cautiously optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2026 and beyond, emphasizing a focus on specific themes and companies poised to benefit from evolving economic and technological landscapes. In a recent CNBC interview, Link outlined her investment strategy, highlighting key areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the ongoing shift towards digitization, while acknowledging persistent risks like inflation and geopolitical instability. Her approach isn’t about chasing the hottest trends, but rather identifying companies with strong fundamentals that can weather economic turbulence and capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.

The Core Themes Driving Link's Strategy

Link's investment thesis is built around several core themes she believes will define the next few years. Firstly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains a critical area. While the initial AI frenzy may have cooled, Link argues that the technology's transformative potential is far from exhausted. She believes AI will continue to permeate various sectors, boosting productivity and creating new business models. This isn’t just about AI development; it’s about the infrastructure needed to support it – the chips, the data centers, and the software that enables AI applications.

Secondly, Cybersecurity is paramount. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, Link sees a continued and growing need for robust security solutions. Data breaches and ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly costly and disruptive, making cybersecurity a non-negotiable investment for businesses and governments alike.

Thirdly, Digital Transformation is an ongoing process. The shift towards online commerce, remote work, and digital services isn’t reversing. Companies facilitating this transformation, whether through cloud computing, e-commerce platforms, or digital payments, are likely to see continued demand for their services. This includes the broader theme of the "creator economy" – the rise of independent content creators and the platforms that support them.

Finally, Link acknowledges the importance of Defensive Healthcare. While not a high-growth area, healthcare remains a relatively stable sector, providing essential services regardless of economic conditions. An aging population and ongoing advancements in medical technology will continue to drive demand.

Stock Picks Reflecting the Themes

Link’s stock selections directly reflect these thematic priorities. Here's a breakdown of some of her key picks, categorized by theme:

• AI Infrastructure & Applications: Nvidia (NVDA) remains a cornerstone of her portfolio. While the stock has seen significant appreciation, Link believes its dominance in the AI chip market is justified and that the company has the innovation pipeline to maintain its leadership position. Nvidia’s GPUs are essential for training and deploying AI models, and its expanding presence in data centers solidifies its long-term growth prospects. She also mentions Palantir (PLTR), highlighting its expertise in data analytics and AI-powered decision-making for government and enterprise clients. Palantir's ability to integrate and analyze large datasets makes it a valuable asset in a data-driven world.

• Cybersecurity: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) is a key holding in this category. Link praises Palo Alto's comprehensive cybersecurity platform, which addresses a wide range of threats. The company’s focus on proactive threat prevention and its ability to adapt to evolving cyber landscapes make it a compelling investment.

• Digital Transformation: Amazon (AMZN) continues to be a core holding. While the e-commerce business faces challenges, Amazon's cloud computing arm, Amazon Web Services (AWS), remains a significant growth driver. AWS is the leading provider of cloud infrastructure, and its continued expansion into new markets and services reinforces its dominance. Link also mentioned Shopify (SHOP), recognizing its role in enabling small businesses to establish an online presence. While Shopify has faced headwinds, Link believes the company is strategically positioned to benefit from the ongoing shift towards e-commerce.

• Defensive Healthcare: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is a favored pick in the healthcare sector. As one of the largest healthcare companies globally, UnitedHealth benefits from a broad range of services, including insurance, healthcare delivery, and technology. Its diversified business model and strong financial performance make it a relatively stable investment.

Acknowledging the Risks

Link isn’t ignoring the potential headwinds. She acknowledges the persistent risk of inflation, which could force the Federal Reserve to maintain higher interest rates for longer than anticipated. Higher rates can negatively impact economic growth and dampen corporate earnings. Furthermore, geopolitical instability, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, poses a significant risk to global markets. These events can disrupt supply chains, increase energy prices, and create uncertainty among investors.

Link's strategy reflects a "quality over quantity" approach, focusing on companies with strong balance sheets, consistent profitability, and proven track records. She emphasizes the importance of long-term investing and avoiding impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. While acknowledging the risks, Link remains optimistic about the potential for continued growth in the years ahead, driven by the transformative power of technology and the ongoing evolution of the global economy. Her stock picks are not intended as a guarantee of returns, but rather as a reflection of her conviction in the underlying themes and the companies best positioned to capitalize on them.

Disclaimer: This article is a summary of information presented in the CNBC article and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.