BTIG Research's Top Stock Picks for 2026

As 2026 begins, BTIG Research has identified several stock picks that it believes will perform well in the coming year. Chief market technician Jonathan Krinsky forecasts that both large-cap and small-cap stocks will rise, with small-cap companies expected to outperform their larger counterparts. This outlook hinges on economic data remaining robust, yet not so strong as to eliminate the possibility of interest rate cuts.

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Among BTIG's top selections for 2026 is Nike, which has experienced a 14% decline in share price over the past year. BTIG has set a price target of $100 for Nike, indicating a potential upside of approximately 57%. Analyst Robert Drbul noted that while challenges remain for Nike, the company is poised for recovery in 2026, driven by innovation and a strong product pipeline, including a comprehensive running lineup and renewed focus on basketball, alongside momentum in global football related to the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

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Another significant pick is Block, a fintech company whose shares have dropped 26% in the last year. BTIG's price target for Block is $90, suggesting a potential upside of 38%. Analyst Andrew Harte highlighted Block's strong growth prospects, particularly through its Cash App and Square platforms, which are expected to deepen customer engagement while attracting new users.

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Additionally, sports betting company DraftKings is included in BTIG's recommendations. Despite a 2% decline in share price over the past year, BTIG has set a price target of $45 for DraftKings, indicating a potential rise of 31%. Analyst Clark Lampen expressed optimism about DraftKings' positioning, suggesting that current trends are setting up a favorable environment for the company as it heads into 2026.

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BTIG's analysts emphasize the importance of a shift in market leadership, particularly in the tech and AI sectors. Krinsky remarked, "On the S&P 500 side, it all comes down to the tech/AI trade," indicating a pivotal moment for these industries.

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While BTIG's predictions are optimistic, some analysts caution that the economic landscape remains uncertain. Concerns about inflation and interest rates could impact market performance, potentially challenging the anticipated growth of the highlighted stocks.

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As 2026 progresses, investors will be closely monitoring economic indicators and corporate earnings reports to gauge the accuracy of BTIG's forecasts. The performance of Nike, Block, and DraftKings will be particularly scrutinized as they navigate the evolving market conditions.

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• “While there is clearly still much work ahead for Nike, Inc., we believe 2026 will show solid progress on its recovery,” — Robert Drbul, Analyst

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• “We see XYZ as the most compelling large-cap stock within our coverage based on its profitable mid-teens growth driven by Cash App and Square's deeper penetrations with existing customers while at the same time adding new ones,” — Andrew Harte, Analyst

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