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BofA Releases Stock Recommendations Amid Economic Uncertainty

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Saturday, January 17th, 2026 - As the market braces for the upcoming earnings season, Bank of America (BofA) has released a set of stock recommendations designed to offer investors potential upside amidst lingering economic uncertainties. The firm's analysts, focusing on companies demonstrating robust fundamentals and compelling valuations, have identified opportunities across a spectrum of sectors, prioritizing technology, healthcare, and surprisingly, select energy plays.

The overarching strategy, according to BofA's research, is to mitigate risk while capitalizing on specific industry tailwinds. The selections reflect a cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential for market volatility but emphasizing the long-term growth prospects of the chosen companies. Investors seeking stability and a reasonable expectation of return might find these recommendations particularly relevant.

Tech Titans Remain Front and Center

The technology sector unsurprisingly dominates BofA's list. Apple (AAPL) continues to be a core holding, with analysts pointing to the strength of its services revenue stream and its consistent stock buyback program as key drivers of value. Alphabet (GOOGL), the parent company of Google, is deemed "undervalued" by the firm, suggesting a potential for price appreciation as the market reassesses its worth. Microsoft (MSFT) is also prominently featured, with the analyst team highlighting the company's significant cloud growth initiatives and the opportunities presented by the burgeoning artificial intelligence landscape.

Perhaps the most talked-about pick is Nvidia (NVDA). BofA views Nvidia as a pivotal beneficiary of the ongoing AI boom, solidifying its position as a key infrastructure provider for the rapidly expanding field. This aligns with broader market sentiment, as Nvidia's chips are essential for training and deploying AI models.

Healthcare and Defensive Plays Add Stability

Beyond technology, BofA's selections incorporate a crucial element of defensive investing. Eli Lilly (LLY) has been designated a "best idea" pick within the healthcare sector, a testament to the firm's confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects. Pharmaceutical companies are often seen as relatively resilient during economic downturns, making them attractive options for risk-averse investors. UnitedHealth (UNH) is also included, representing a defensive play intended to weather potential market volatility. Its established position and diverse healthcare offerings provide a degree of stability not always found in higher-growth sectors.

Energy and Housing: Unexpected Opportunities

Interestingly, BofA's recommendations aren't solely focused on the tech and healthcare sectors. Chevron (CVX), an energy giant, is included, drawing attention to its attractive dividend yield and the potential for continued strength in energy prices. This reflects a recognition that, despite a global push for renewables, traditional energy sources remain crucial and are susceptible to fluctuations driven by geopolitical factors and demand.

Finally, NextEra Energy (NEE) and Lowe's (LOW) demonstrate a more forward-looking approach. NextEra's focus on renewable energy assets positions it to capitalize on the global shift towards sustainable power sources. Lowe's, the home improvement retailer, is expected to benefit from ongoing trends in the housing market - even as broader economic conditions evolve.

Important Considerations and Disclaimer

It's crucial to remember that these are recommendations based on Bank of America's analysis and aren't universally applicable. Individual investment strategies should always align with personal risk tolerance, financial goals, and a thorough understanding of market conditions. Diversification remains a cornerstone of sound financial planning, and relying solely on any single recommendation is rarely advisable. The economic landscape continues to shift, and unforeseen events can significantly impact market performance. Therefore, due diligence and ongoing monitoring are essential for any investor.

Disclaimer: This article contains information from Bank of America research reports. These are recommendations based on analysis and may not be suitable for all investors.


Read the Full CNBC Article at:
[ https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/17/stocks-to-buy-ahead-of-earnings-bank-of-america-says.html ]