Trump vs. Biden: Stocks to Buy No Matter Who Wins the White House

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No matter who wins at the ballot box, some investors will profit handsomely this November. Will you? Prep your portfolio for the upcoming U.S. presidential election with these top stocks to buy. Picks are updated daily by the sharpest investing minds in the business. 

 

Latest Updates:


19 Election Stocks to Watch If Joe Biden Really Wins

[Friday, November 6, 10:49 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Independent data collector Decision Desk HQ made big waves this morning. With votes still coming in from battleground states including Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, the outlet decided to call Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes in favor of former Vice President Joe Biden, putting him over the 270 vote threshold needed to win the election. Biden overtook President Donald Trump in the state for the first time this race, and experts predict that outstanding ballots will lean heavily Democratic.

What does this mean? For some, Decision Desk HQ sealed the deal with their call that Biden will be the next U.S. president. Others are being more conservative, and outlets including the New York Times and the Associated Press have yet to make similar calls. That’s likely because the races are still very tight, with Biden leading Trump in Pennsylvania by a very narrow margin.

Keep a close eye on the vote-counting procedures, and on the White House. Trump has called for a recount in Wisconsin and litigation practically everywhere else. Nothing is a sure deal, but for investors betting on Biden, today looks sweet.

Here are 19 stocks to buy if Biden does secure the presidency.


Gov. Cuomo Says New York Could Legalize Marijuana As Soon As Next Year

[Thursday, November 5, 4:44 pm]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

Speaking with radio news station WAMC this morning, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he believes the state legislature will legalize marijuana in the coming year, sending marijuana stocks higher on Thursday.

This comes after voters in neighboring state New Jersey legalized cannabis on Tuesday night, one of six states to approve marijuana via ballot initiative in this year’s general elections. Cuomo has been in favor of marijuana legalization since 2018, but previous efforts stalled out in the Republican-controlled state legislature.

The governor said 2021 looked particularly promising as the state looked to fill budget holes created in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Investors might see that as a harbinger of things to come elsewhere in the nation as other states look toward economic recovery from a tumultuous 2020.

Regardless, this week has been a huge catalyst for the sector broadly, and it’s quite possible the momentum will continue for some time.


3 Gambling Stocks to Buy After Election Day

[Thursday, November 5, 12:34 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Three state ballot measures have snuck through all the noise. While Americans continue to closely monitor the race between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, there is a silver lining for a handful of companies. Continuing on a megatrend that has been in motion since 2018, three more states have taken action to legalize sports betting.

That means the future of the iGaming megatrend looks a little brighter in Maryland, Louisiana and South Dakota. Granted, as Roy Larking wrote for Sports Illustrated, each state legislature has some work to do to create a legal path for sports betting. However, at some point in 2021, each jurisdiction will have either land-based or online sports betting in a legal capacity.

Why does this matter? Wall Street has demonstrated a lot of early interest in sports betting, and particularly in online sports betting firms. While the broader legalization of sports betting across the country opens doors, there is a greater opportunity in the virtual realm thanks to the novel coronavirus. As InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango highlights, we living in a world that continues to digitize.

With that in mind, these three stocks look hot as more states get cozy with sports betting.

  • DraftKings (NASDAQ:DKNG)
  • Golden Nugget Online Gaming (NASDAQ:LCA)
  • Gan (NASDAQ:GAN)

Prop 22 Is the Opposite of A Catch-22 for Investors

[Wednesday, November 4, 1:22 pm]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

Californians voted decisively in favor of Proposition 22 in Tuesday’s election, great news for not only Uber (NYSE:UBER) and Lyft (NASDAQ:LYFT) investors, but also investors across the technology sector more broadly.

Proposition 22 defines app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. Prop 22 carves out an exemption for these companies from 2018’s hotly contested Assembly Bill 5, which aimed to end the practice of companies classifying critical workers as independent contractors to avoid paying associated employee benefits and taxes. That bill was also subject to wide scrutiny, with many industries arguing they should be exempted from its rules for various reasons.

Proposition 22 is notable for a few reasons. First and foremost, this is a huge win for tech-based companies, and not just those appmakers directly affected. So beyond names like DoorDash and Postmates, any company whose primary selling point is connecting users via digital platforms is breathing a sigh of relief; think Airbnb or Tencent (OTCMKTS:TCEHY), not just Instacart.

They’re relieved because a victory here has overarching ramifications for how labor laws will apply to these companies in the future. Approving Prop 22 sets a precedent for tech-oriented companies to sidestep millions in potential costs associated with treating gig workers as employees; in 2019, Quartz suggested reclassifying workers could cost Uber up to half a billion dollars. That’s good news for companies profiting off the gig economy, and their associated stocks.

Proposition 22 is also notable for the spending blitz it engendered. The LA Times reports more than $224 million spent on the ballot measure, with $204 million of that spent by supporters, mainly Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates.

And that brings us to perhaps the most interesting thing about Prop 22: absolute overkill. Ride-hailing apps were already exempted from the reclassification rules outlined in 2018’s AB5. And proponents’ 10-to-1 spending crush was augmented by in-app messaging by both Uber and Lyft. Last week, a judge ruled that Uber could continue to use in-app messaging to drivers to push support for Prop 22. I can’t imagine other companies seeing that as anything other than a go-ahead to do the same.

And, of course, it matters that this happened in California. When the nation’s ostensible liberal bastion sides with large companies over union and labor concerns, it’s hard to envision the question of gig worker classification coming back up for serious debate again anytime soon.


The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side Of Election Day

[Wednesday, November 4, 11:29 am]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

While ballots from last night’s elections continue to be counted, there was one obvious winner last night: marijuana investors.

Ballot initiatives in Arizona, Montana, Mississippi, New Jersey and South Dakota were all voted into law last night. That means recreational cannabis is now legal in Jersey, Arizona, Montana and South Dakota. South Dakota also voted to legalize medical marijuana alongside Mississippi.

That’s excellent news for sector bulls, who have seen investments stall out over the past two years. While this isn’t the paradigm-shifting catalyst that a Biden-Harris victory could portend (federal legalization), these results are good news, with the potential for ripple effects to make big waves.

None of these new addressable markets are particularly large, but it’s worth noting that the American marijuana market is estimated to be worth four times as much as Canada’s. Beyond the larger market, U.S.-based players also enjoy higher margins, and have seen faster revenue growth than their Canadian peers.

That translates to meaningful revenue, even in smaller markets, as players expand their U.S. presence. When it comes to a federal catalyst, those companies that have put in the groundwork will be best-positioned to profit, not only due to scale or size, but experience, whether that’s related to production, sales or legal and regulatory hurdles.

And beyond the direct effects of legalization in these states, there are other signs that cannabis bulls ought to be happy. Legalization of marijuana in conservative bulwarks such as Mississippi, Montana and South Dakota suggests that state-level regulations around cannabis are relaxing in traditionally Republican-controlled regions as well. That suggests we may see less partisan politics when it comes to federal marijuana policy, and bodes well for future state ballot initiatives should cannabis policy fall to the wayside in 2021 and beyond.

InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango has already named three cannabis stocks to buy for a “Blue Wave,” while InvestorPlace contributor Tezcan Gecgil recently picked three cannabis stocks to sell ahead of the election.

But investors should also pay attention to secondary plays that could profit from increasingly legal marijuana. One that springs to mind is Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP), maker of beers such as Coors Light, which has expressed serious interest in the cannabis beverage space. In fact, Molson Coors launched a joint venture with Hexo (NYSE:HEXO) back in April to produce CBD beverages in Colorado. And industry titans like Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) have also expressed interest in joining the space.


3 Psychedelic Stocks to Buy for an Oregon Victory

[Wednesday, November 4, 10:11 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

New Jersey may have set the stage last night for a major rally in cannabis stocks. Similarly, Oregon set the stage for the legal shroom boom. Voters in the state passed a first-of-its kind measure that not only decriminalized psilocybin, but actually created legal access. Why does this matter?

Simply put, the novel coronavirus has ushered in a mental health crisis. More Americans were stuck at home than ever before. Many lost their jobs and insurance. Many others lost friends and family members to the virus. Unsurprisingly, early reports suggest that anxiety and depression are on the rise. This will undoubtedly lead more Americans to drugs from pharmaceutical giants. Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) likely will get some credit as the maker of Prozac. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) will too, as its portfolio includes Zoloft and Xanax.

But there is a group of advocates in the U.S. and abroad that think psychedelic drugs are the answer.

Thanks to Measure 109 in Oregon, residents will now have a path forward to try cutting-edge treatments that rely on psilocybin. As Jackie Flynn Mogensen wrote for Mother Jones, the ballot measure creates a legal pathway to psilocybin-based treatment. A new state-regulated program will one day help residents obtain and safely use psychedelic drugs for their mental health benefits.

InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango has long seen this shroom boom coming. The path forward? More states will pass legalization like Oregon. More advocates, consumers and health officials will buy into the health benefits of psilocybin and other drugs. Psychedelic drugs will continue to lose their negative stigma. This creates a real catalyst for psychedelic stocks.

Just like with the New Jersey marijuana news, Measure 109 is a small step in the federal stage. Investors should still be paying close attention. Here are four psychedelic stocks that look hot now:

  • Mind Medicine (OTCMKTS:MMEDF)
  • Champignon Brands (OTCMKTS:SHRMF)
  • Revive Therapeutics (OTCMKTS:RVVTF)
  • Compass Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS)

One thing to note: Oregon voters also passed Measure 110 which decriminalizes psilocybin, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and many other drugs. It also provides increased drug addiction treatment options for residents, shifting the conversation from criminal justice to public health.


West-Coast Votes Come In for Biden, Swing States Stall Out

[Tuesday, November 3, 11:18 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Shortly after the clock struck 11 p.m. Eastern, a handful of historically blue states were officially called in favor of former Vice President Joe Biden. With California, Oregon, Washington and New Hampshire in his camp, Biden has 209 projected electoral votes. As things stand, President Donald Trump presently has 118 votes.

Complicating matters is the fact that networks have yet to call several key states including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Why not? Those states still have votes to count, thanks to a surge in early and mail-in voting. Although we may have a clearer picture of the next four years by the time businesses reopen in the morning, it could take even longer.

InvestorPlace is wrapping up our election coverage from now, but we’ll be back before trading begins. Thanks for following along with us tonight, and see you all again soon.


3 Cannabis Stocks That Could Still Ride a 'Green Wave'

[Tuesday, November 3, 10:25 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Did you see the news from Vivian below? New Jersey became the first of six states tonight to weigh in on marijuana-related ballot measures, ultimately voting to legalize recreational marijuana.

Although individual state support for cannabis pales in comparison to the federal catalyst offered by former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, it could still be a big deal for long-term bulls. Why? As Vivian highlights, New Jersey is not too far from New York City. This could put pressure on regulators in New York, and in other big states, to consider ballot measures of their own.

So how do you play this? InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango likes three cannabis stocks in particular. In addition to GrowGeneration (NASDAQ:GRWG), Lango has identified Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) and Cronos (NASDAQ:CRON) as potential winners. According to Lango, these companies stand to gain market share and dominate as legalization takes hold in the U.S. and beyond.

Although New Jersey is just one state, you can expect more marijuana news tonight. A green wave could very well be coming, one way or another.


New Jersey Is First, But Perhaps Not the Last, to Legalize Marijuana Tonight

[Tuesday, November 3, 10:14 pm]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

New Jersey has just voted 2-to-1 in favor of a statewide ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana.

Jersey is the first of six states voting on marijuana policy tonight; Arizona and Montana are also considering ballot measures toward full recreational legalization, while Mississippi is voting on medical marijuana. South Dakota has two ballot initiatives up, separately considering recreational and medical marijuana. Results from the latter states should be coming in later tonight with other election returns.

While it’s still early, and New Jersey isn’t a large market, this does bode well for marijuana investors. The 67% in favor, 32% against speaks to the popularity of legalizing marijuana, which now enjoys a bipartisan majority of support among voters. Meanwhile, don’t let Jersey’s size convince you it’s unimportant; a fully legalized recreational market just a short jaunt away from NYC will put serious pressure on legislators in the state of New York.

While it remains to be seen if ballot initiatives will amount to a “Green Wave,” their mere presence on the ballot in states like Montana and South Dakota should reassure long-term sector bulls their money is parked in the right place.

For investors looking to buy into the sector off tonight’s policy gains, InvestorPlace analyst Luke Lango is particularly keen on GrowGeneration (NASDAQ:GRWG) stock:

Additionally, the state of Oregon and the District of Columbia are both considering ballot measures to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, following in the footsteps of cities including Oakland, California; Denver, Colorado and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oregon’s ballot measure is particularly noteworthy, as it comes in conjunction with a ballot measure that would decriminalize personal/non-commercial possession of any controlled substance (meaning not just marijuana and psychedelics, but also drugs such as cocaine or opiates). If passed, this measure could become a model for moving away from carceral responses to drug addiction in favor of rehabilitative structures.

That could be a sign of things to come for investors with money in prisons, policing or healthcare, and adjacent sectors.


Texas Toss-Up Has Everyone On Tenterhooks

[Tuesday, November 3, 9:39 pm]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this year, that includes the political stakes. For the first time in decades, the state’s 38 electoral votes are up for grabs, and Democrats are eager to secure them.

Whether that will actually happen remains to be seen, with just about 65% of ballots having been counted as of 9 p.m. Eastern. However, there are reasons for Republicans to be worried.

First, voter turnout is much higher. Per Texas Observer, turnout by week two of early voting had already surpassed the 2014 turnout for the entire election. In fact, as of Thursday night, turnout for 2020 had outpaced turnout for 2016. And there are 3 million more registered voters now than there were in 2014 (when there were about 14 million voters in the state).

Second, those voters are skewing younger than they have in previous years. Also per Texas Observer, early voting by those 30 and under doubled in 2020 compared to 2016, from 6% to 13%. Taken together, these bode well for Democrats, suggesting a dramatic increase in new, young voters who will remain politically involved.

And then there’s the simple fact that the race is as close as it is. Recent polling has had both candidates neck-and-neck in a state Trump won in 2016 by a 9-point margin. And while recent midterm elections, notably the Senate run of Beto O’Rourke, have attempted to harness the state’s latent Democrat supporters, rarely have the odds been so tight on a race so big.


What a Trump Win in Florida Would Mean for Stocks

[Tuesday, November 3, 9:24 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Politicos around the country are keeping a close eye on Florida, a battleground state for former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump. With about 93% of estimated votes reported, the New York Times is calling for Trump to win. If he does, that could shift the balance for the stock market — and the election.

Wall Street has been fairly confident that Biden would win, and many Floridians agreed. Leading up to tonight, FiveThirtyEight predicted that Trump had just an 11% chance of winning the Electoral College. After his victory via the Electoral College in 2016, that has been a key talking point. Importantly, many lawmakers have called for voting reform in response to 2016.

However, with Florida now up for grabs by the incumbent, that same poll from FiveThirtyEight gives him a 33% chance of success. If other swing states follow suit, Biden will be decidedly under pressure.

Remember, it is still early on in the evening and we are not guaranteed a decision tonight. Investors should still pay close attention to equities that would thrive under a second Trump term. Early entrants into those stocks could see a big payoff if he manages another surprise win.

You can take a look at 20 stocks to buy for a Trump victory here.


Solar Stocks Look Hot as Election Results Clock In

[Tuesday, November 3, 8:44 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Current estimates from the New York Times show that former Vice President Joe Biden has 85 projected electoral votes. Incumbent President Donald Trump has 61 votes. Either candidate needs 270 to win.

How are investors responding? Although the night is still young, the early lead by the Democratic candidate had solar stocks climbing in after-hours trading. We have long reported that solar stocks — along with other clean energy equities — would be immediate beneficiaries of a Biden victory. Biden has made clear in his campaign policies that he would prioritize eco-friendly initiatives, including through a $2 trillion investment. That translates to a big win for solar companies trying to gain new customers and expand their reach in the U.S. and abroad.

Importantly, there is more to the story. As InvestorPlace contributor Dana Blankenhorn wrote recently, solar companies have long been trying to find their footing. Many are in what he sees as the first innings of a clean energy revolution. That means a Biden victory could spur investment in new tech, new consumer adoption and new shareholder gains.

Investors want this to be true. Here are seven solar stocks to watch as election tallies come in:

  • SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) gained 0.88% in after-hours trading.
  • Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) gained 1.43% in after-hours trading.
  • SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ:SEDG) gained 0.78% in after-hours trading.
  • First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) gained 0.87% in after-hours trading.
  • SPI Energy (NASDAQ:SPI) gained 2.02% in after-hours trading.
  • Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ) gained 0.87% in after-hours trading.
  • NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE) gained 0.92% in after-hours trading.

Sen. Mitch McConnell Reelected In Kentucky

[Tuesday, November 3, 8:30 pm]
Contributed by Vivian Medithi

Though votes are still being tallied, both the Associated Press and the New York Times have called the Kentucky Senate race for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) over candidate Amy McGrath (D).

Though most favored McConnell to win this race in the generally conservative state, the race was still considered highly competitive, with McGrath scoring a number of high-profile endorsements from fellow Democrats.

McConnell has been a mainstay on Capitol Hill for years, much like congressional colleague and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the Congressional response to the crisis, placed McConnell squarely in the spotlight. Notably, at last month’s debate, McGrath criticized the senator for going on vacation in the summer as the pandemic raged on.

While the full extent of McConnell’s political power will be determined by whether Republicans maintain a majority in the Senate, investors should expect Republicans to stick to the playbook McConnell laid out over his past six years in the Senate. That means strong partisan politics and a focus on conservative goals around healthcare and fiscal policy.


7 Election Stocks to Buy With Bipartisan Strength

[Tuesday, November 3, 7:57 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Are you watching the state-by-state returns? It is likely many investors are, trying to predict which candidate will soon be implementing policies that affect their portfolios. Importantly, battlefield states including Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin have yet to close their polls. Michigan will close the first of its polls in just a few minutes.

As focus narrows to these hotly contested races, investors may be looking for election-proof stocks. What does that mean? Well, there are a handful of equities that should perform no matter who wins.

If you feel yourself looking for a rock to cling on to, consider these seven election stocks. As InvestorPlace contributor Bret Kenwell wrote yesterday, they have bipartisan support.

  • Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT)
  • United Rentals (NYSE:URI)
  • Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
  • Honeywell (NYSE:HON)
  • DraftKings (NASDAQ:DKNG)
  • Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL)
  • Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV)

5 Health Insurance Stocks to Watch on Election Night

[Tuesday, November 3, 7:35 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

All eyes are on the presidential race as the first wave of states close their polls. Early calls have awarded Vermont to former Vice President Joe Biden and both Indiana and Kentucky to President Donald Trump. But for many voters, healthcare is another important question on the ballot.

In an exit poll from NBC News, a slight majority of voters favor keeping the Affordable Care Act as it is, as opposed to overturning the 2010 legislation. Importantly, keeping the ACA as-is was most popular among lower-income voters, and 11% of voters overall say healthcare is the most important issue this election. Interestingly, healthcare was a leading issue in 2018 as well. Thanks to the novel coronavirus pandemic, both the economy and the pandemic response have increased in priority.

So what exactly would retaining the ACA in its current form mean for the stock market? In the lead up to the 2020 election, many investors wondered just how to approach pharmaceutical and biotech stocks. Consistency — and keeping landmark legislation in place is certainly consistent — could provide some answers.

The biggest winners from the Affordable Care Act have been health insurers, particularly the largest players in the space. Since March 2010, UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) has returned almost 850%. In comparison, the S&P 500 has returned just 200%. Cigna (NYSE:CI), another major insurer, has posted gains of almost 400% in that time period.

What’s the rationale? Simply put, as more Americans received access to affordable health insurance, major insurers received more customers. And shareholders largely benefited.

While so much remains unclear tonight, keep an eye on this exit poll. The Affordable Care Act — and its future — are key issues to watch heading into the next four years. These five stocks should also be on your radar:

  • UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH)
  • Cigna (NYSE:CI)
  • Humana (NYSE:HUM)
  • Anthem (NYSE:ANTM)
  • Centene (NYSE:CNC)

8 Stocks to Watch Before Election Results Come In

[Tuesday, November 3, 4:09 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

InvestorPlace knows just how much uncertainty is in the stock market right now. That is why we rounded up some of the biggest trends to watch as votes come in — and where to look for more news. Importantly, one of the trends we have identified is in renewable energy. Here is what you need to know:

  • Former Vice President Joe Biden maintains his lead in polls, including in swing states.
  • Clean energy stocks would be immediate beneficiaries if he were to take the White House. Why? He has promised to invest $2 trillion in such eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Electric car, solar and battery stocks have been trending higher leading up to Election Day.
  • We could see a post-election rally once we have a better sense of who wins.
  • Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), QuantumScape (NYSE:KCAC) and Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) look particularly hot.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com piece on Election Day takeaways here.

3 Cannabis Stocks to Buy Before the Election for a Blue Wave

[Tuesday, November 3, 2:10 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

There is no denying that so much is uncertain about the 2020 presidential election. With voting underway now, uncertainty remains high. Who will win? How long will it take to count the votes? What will happen tonight — and in the coming days?

Wall Street has shunned that uncertainty, and stocks have been creeping higher today. Analysts are largely throwing their weight behind former Vice President Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates in races down the ballot. What does that mean? Well, it means that these blue candidates could usher in a very green era for the stock market.

In fact, InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango believes that a Biden victory could be the real catalyst cannabis bulls have been waiting for. Yes, 2018 was supposed to be the year. Canada made cannabis legal at the federal level, and marijuana stocks were supposed to take off. They did… initially.

But the market in Canada has failed. Black-market suppliers challenged legal growers. International expansion stalled out. Supply-demand imbalances hurt profits. The novel coronavirus made things even worse. Marijuana stocks hit rock bottom. If Biden wins that could all turn around.

If you are betting on a Democratic victory, here are three top picks from Lango:

  • Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC)
  • Cronos (NASDAQ:CRON)
  • GrowGeneration (NASDAQ:GRWG)

The Aeva SPAC Mergers Looks Hot Before the Election

[Monday, November 2, 2:22 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The link between self-driving car companies and the upcoming U.S. presidential election may not be abundantly clear. However, now that Aeva has announced its plans to come public via blank-check company InterPrivate Acquisition (NYSE:IPV), investors should take note. Here is everything you need to know:

  • Aeva makes LiDAR sensors for self-driving cars.
  • These sensors help autonomous vehicles navigate their surroundings and ultimately contribute to road safety.
  • It is the third such business to come public via a SPAC in recent months. Broadly, investors are seeing a rebound in interest in autonomous vehicles after the novel coronavirus weighed on demand.
  • Importantly, many experts believe former Vice President Joe Biden would give the space a boost.
  • Why? His automotive industry plans call to invest money into creating new jobs and leveraging competitive technology. This could include shifting interest to self-driving cars.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on the Aeva SPAC merger here.

Why Tilray Stock Is a Top Buy Before the Election

[Friday, October 30, 3:05 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

InvestorPlace contributor David Moadel said it best: Sen. Kamala Harris has given investors a massive reason to buy Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) stock before Election Day.

There is no denying that times have been tough for marijuana stocks. After months of red-hot excitement over the legal cannabis industry in Canada, reality hit. Black-market sellers still had more market share, major companies like Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) and Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) were focusing on international expansion instead of profit, and major catalysts like the rollout of Cannabis 2.0 left investors wanting more. When the novel coronavirus hit, Wall Street ran away from the sector practically screaming.

If former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris take the White House, however, it may be time for investors to start running back.

Why? Harris has promised that the Democratic duo would fully decriminalize marijuana, expunge marijuana-use convictions and end drug-use incarceration. That sets the stage for a major boom in marijuana stocks like Tilray.

Importantly, marijuana use is legal in Canada and in several U.S. states. However, because of federal legislation — particularly its status as a classified substance — the marijuana business has struggled. Decriminalization would allow growing companies to have access to safe banking and traditional capital measures. This should allow them to fund the path to profit.

But why Tilray? Of all the hard-hit marijuana stocks, Moadel thinks Tilray is in an especially good place because it has already cleaned up its balance sheet. In its most recently reported quarter, the company said that it was working to pay down debt and was progressing toward profitability. That means it could have an easier trajectory to success if the Biden-Harris ticket wins in just a few days.


Palantir Stock: A Risky Bet on Trump's Reelection

[Friday, October 30, 10:00 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Wall Street is not too sure how to feel about Palantir (NYSE:PLTR). Ahead of its initial public offering, which came in the form of a direct listing, it generated quite a buzz. The company and its executive team are mysterious. Peter Thiel, the founder of the Palantir, is another source of interest.

Broadly, the company is a major player in the Big Data market. At a time when tech is one of the few things working in the market — and a way to get us out of the novel coronavirus slump — PLTR stock should be hot. However, its backstory, and some of its clients, make it a risky bet. What do this mean?

In other words, Palantir needs President Donald Trump to win. Why?

During its earliest days, Palantir solely worked for the CIA. As one Washington Post contributor tells it, the company was practically born out of the 9/11 attacks. Its records show that federal authorities rely on its data solutions to track down everyone from terrorists to drug smugglers and insider traders. To this day, we know it still uses those data capabilities for surveillance and law enforcement. Some of its other clients include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. It is the contract with ICE that is particularly controversial — data from Palantir data has been used in deporting undocumented immigrants and to conduct so-called workplace raids.

Adding to the controversy, Thiel is a longtime Trump supporter and donor. Current CEO Alex Karp has also criticized the “culture” of Silicon Valley, promising that Palantir would continue to address issues of national security for the U.S. This ties in well with the Trump campaign:

According to InvestorPlace contributor Larry Ramer, it also makes Palantir an incredibly risky stock ahead of Election Day. What does this mean for investors?

Well, Ramer first argues that investors should stay away. Its clientele, its support for Trump and its business record cast a shadow over Palantir. However, he and InvestorPlace contributor David Moadel agree that its data solutions are promising. If Trump were to win come Nov. 3, the incumbent president could make dreams come true for Karp.

Although it is far from a sure thing — especially as former Vice President Joe Biden maintains his edge in polling — Palantir could be a speculative bet on reelection. Keep PLTR stock on your radar.


10 Stay-at-Home Stocks to Buy for a Biden Win

[Thursday, October 29, 12:01 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

How should the United States fight and recover from the novel coronavirus pandemic? Depending on who you ask, you will get a very different answer.

According to President Donald Trump and many of his supporters, at this point in the pandemic, focusing on the economy — and particularly hard-hit businesses — is key. This has largely been his message all along, despite contradictions from public health officials and even some of his advisors. Leading up to Election Day, however, former Vice President Joe Biden takes a different approach. During national debates he has promised to weigh the opinions of scientists more than those of economists, suggesting to many that a second round of lockdowns could be coming.

Trump has leaned into this — threatening that Biden would bring devastating economic impacts. However, even some Federal Reserve leaders have called for tighter lockdown measures.

How should investors sort through this noise? There is no doubt that the uncertainty is frightening. Stocks have sunk in response over the last several days, as investors have processed rising coronavirus case and hospitalization numbers. But if we were to go into lockdown once more with a good plan in place, there may be some opportunity to profit.

Yes, that means some of the best stocks to buy before the election are stay-at-home plays. Until we know more about the second wave of the pandemic and the timeline for a coronavirus vaccine, some analysts think it is better to be safe than sorry.

With that in mind, here are 10 of the best stay-at-home stocks to buy before the election (subscription required).

  • Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)
  • Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL)
  • Salesforce (NYSE:CRM)
  • Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
  • Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI)
  • Nike (NYSE:NKE)
  • PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL)
  • Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO)
  • Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW)
  • D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI)

Is First Solar the Best Stock to Buy Before Election Day?

[Thursday, October 29, 9:45 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

One of the biggest arguments on Wall Street right now is that, if former Vice President Joe Biden wins the White House, renewable energy stocks will soar. Leading up to Election Day, that has created a massive rally in solar stocks.

But there are so many names to consider — and not all are equal. In recent days we have seen more speculative plays like SPI Energy (NASDAQ:SPI), a small company headquartered in Hong Kong, rocket higher. There are also more balanced companies like NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE), which are far from pure solar plays. Investors are still figuring out exactly how to approach a red-hot sector.

The strategy may have become clearer yesterday. First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), one of the largest names in the space, reported killer third-quarter earnings. As InvestorPlace writer William White shared, adjusted earnings per share were up 400% and revenue was up almost 70% year-over-year. Wednesday was an otherwise ugly day in the market, but First Solar was immune.

Does anything else make the company appealing beyond its quarterly success? Analysts think so. Immediately following its earnings report it received six price-target hikes (subscription required). The consensus on Wall Street is that First Solar has a strong competitive position, a unique product pipeline and growing customer demand. That does sound like a winning recipe.

Ahead of Election Day, this then means that First Solar sparkles extra bright. If Biden wins, some experts think he will immediately begin to change the federal conversation around clean energy. That $2 trillion he has promised? It could go a long way to boosting demand for solar solutions — exactly like the ones from Arizona-based First Solar.

Although no election outcome is certain, investors would be wise to at least keep FSLR stock on their radars here.


The Solar Juice IPO Could Thrive in a Biden Presidency

[Tuesday, October 27, 3:51 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

SPI Energy (NASDAQ:SPI) continues to captivate investor attention. Today, the company is soaring higher thanks to a big spinoff announcement. Here is what you need to know:

  • SPI Energy provides a variety of photovoltaic solutions to businesses, individual residences and government customers. The company is based in Hong Kong but does business elsewhere, including in Australia, Japan and the United States.
  • Today, the company received board approval on a big vote.
  • It will spin off Solar Juice, a business division that sells solar panels, inverters and other storage. Solar Juice will then come public via an initial public offering.
  • Importantly, SPI Energy rocketed higher a few weeks ago after announcing the launch of EdisonFuture, an electric vehicle subsidiary.
  • SPI Energy, Solar Juice and EdisonFuture would all benefit from the backing former Vice President Joe Biden is providing to clean energy industries.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on SPI Energy stock here.

6 Fracking Stocks to Buy If Trumps Pulls Off a Reelection

[Tuesday, October 27, 2:10 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

At this point, almost all players on Wall Street are betting that former Vice President Joe Biden will take the White House. This conviction has boosted everything from marijuana to solar, and led investors to start thinking critically about a greener future. But what happens if President Donald Trump pulls off a reelection? What would happen to the stock market?

Perhaps one of the biggest winners would be the oil patch. Unlike Biden, Trump has based much of his campaign on appealing to oil and gas companies. Not only does he differ from the Democratic candidate on how much stock he puts into climate change, states like Pennsylvania and Texas are part of his traditional voter base. Want more voters? Promise to boost what makes America great — black gold.

Trump has been doing just that. If he succeeds, look for companies in the fracking business to get a big boost. Why?

Biden has promised to end fracking on federal land. While that only accounts for a fraction of the industry, the reality is that fracking is a controversial and uncertain topic. Voters are divided on it. Clean energy activists are divided on it. Is burning natural gas a reliable bridge fuel? Or does it end up doing more damage to the environment in the long run? Most investors are betting right now that come November, a Biden victory would usher in a stronger anti-fracking sentiment and lead the way for stricter environmental regulations.

However, if Trump does secure a second term, look for a few leading fracking companies to profit. Here are stocks to buy before the election if you are betting on that outcome:

  • EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG)
  • U.S. Silica Holdings (NYSE:SLCA)
  • Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN)
  • Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM)
  • Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:FANG)
  • Chevron (NYSE:CVX)

There May Be No Bad Election Outcome for Stocks

[Monday, October 26, 3:29 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Sam Ro, the managing editor for Yahoo Finance, said it best this morning. Ahead of Election Day, there may be only good stock market outcomes.

Over the last several weeks, the upcoming U.S. presidential election has truly come into focus. We have seen debates, ad campaigns, separate town hall events and all sorts of sparring on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR). Sometimes, this has resulted in real price action in the major indices. When President Donald Trump initially tested positive for the novel coronavirus, we saw a slump. His later healing and endorsement of Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN) turned things around. Similarly, careful blows from former Vice President Joe Biden have created serious interest in everything from pot stocks to solar energy plays.

But many investors are still left wondering: What is the best financial outcome of Nov. 3? Is Trump or Biden inherently better for the stock market? What will the next four years look like? And how would a contested election influence trading?

According to Ro and a handful of other columnists, including Paul Vigna from the Wall Street Journal, any outcome is likely a good one, at least for stocks. What does this mean? On one hand, there is potential for stocks to shoot higher on Election Day results alone. Certain policies for job creation, taxes and new initiatives could boost the bull market.

On the other hand, if stocks do slump for a bit, investors should see any downward movement as a buying opportunity. Get in, buy stocks on the dips and wait it out. History tells us that eventually, the market will head higher once more.

As simple — and as meme-worthy as these headlines are — they offer a bit of comfort with just a week to go until Election Day. No matter what, there are plenty of stocks to buy and plenty of opportunities for profit.


7 Marijuana Stocks to Buy Ahead of the Election

[Monday, October 26, 2:26 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Ahead of Election Day we have talked about how former Vice President Joe Biden will boost so-called green stocks — equities from the solar, electric vehicle and battery storage industries. But as InvestorPlace contributor Josh Enomoto highlighted this morning, Biden and running mate Sen. Kamala Harris will also boost a second time of “green” stocks.

Not too long ago, Harris promised that the Democratic duo would decriminalize marijuana.

Importantly, such a move at the federal level could usher in a series of new reforms and regulations, allowing the business of legal marijuana to boom in the United States. Investors are already eyeing marijuana stocks with this in mind.

Granted, Enomoto is clear that betting on marijuana stocks right now is far from a sure thing. As we have seen with the Canadian industry, black-market suppliers are still weighing on the legal competition. Plus, leading companies have been focused on expansion, ramping up production capabilities within Canada and abroad. That focus has hurt, as they have needed to instead focus on dominating within the existing market and growing mostly nonexistent profits.

But legal weed in the U.S. could be HUGE. With that in mind, Enomoto has seven marijuana stocks to buy, representing both traditional suppliers, companies with a medical focus and even a few picks-and-shovels plays. If you are betting on a blue wave, think green.

  • Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC)
  • Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON)
  • Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY)
  • Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR)
  • Charlotte’s Web (OTCMTKS:CWBHF)
  • Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB)
  • Curaleaf (OTCMKTS:CURLF)

10 Tech Stocks to Buy Ahead of the Election

[Friday, October 23, 3:16 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Leading up to the final presidential debate, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden united on an interesting message: Big Tech is bad.

Trump used a pre-debate tweet to convey that sentiment, letting his audience know that a vote for him is a vote against mega-cap tech companies. During the debate, Biden took aim at companies like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) that have raked in profits while so many individuals have faced unemployment and homelessness. Democrats and Republicans both find faults with these market leaders, but they have different reasons.

Because of this unity, many investors are worried about their tech positions leading up to the election. Will antitrust regulations topple tech empires? Could public sentiment shift so rapidly against these dominant names? InvestorPlace’s Alex Sirois thinks there is no need to worry. In fact, he wrote today that Big Tech will continue to hold up — and thrive — through 2021.

With that in mind, here are his top 10 tech stocks to buy ahead of the election:

  • Google (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL)
  • Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
  • Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)
  • Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD)
  • Facebook (NASDAQ:FB)
  • Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)
  • Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM)
  • Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
  • Salesforce (NYSE:CRM)
  • Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)

Stocks to Buy Ahead of the Presidential Debate

[Thursday, October 22, 4:52 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

As investors look for stocks to buy ahead of the presidential election, so many sectors have come in the spotlight. President Donald Trump has stirred up interest in infrastructure, gun and defense plays. Former Vice President Joe Biden has simply electrified interest in renewable energy stocks — including solar, battery and EV equities. Are you in search of more investing ideas with just two weeks until Election Day?

Follow our live updates on tonight’s presidential debate.

InvestorPlace is going LIVE and providing real-time takeaways. Follow along for news, analysis and all of the best stocks to buy ahead of the big day.


Buy Ocean Power Technologies Ahead of the Election

[Tuesday, October 20, 2:56 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Ahead of the election, Wall Street is making a big bet on former Vice President Joe Biden. If he wins, the thinking is that renewable energy, electric vehicle and battery stocks will all soar. Why? The Democratic candidate has promised to invest $2 trillion in clean energy infrastructure.

As we have written in this blog, investors have chased up these sectors. Electric car makers like Nio (NYSE:NIO), Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and DiamondPeak (NASDAQ:DPHC) have been climbing. Solar plays Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) and First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) have made similar moves. Broadly, these equities address renewable energy impacts on the land and the atmosphere. But what about those parts of our world that exist under the sea?

That is where Ocean Power Technologies (NASDAQ:OPTT) comes in. Because it operates in an even tinier niche of the renewable energy sector, it has largely been flying under the radar. According to InvestorPlace analyst Louis Navellier, despite that, it is not an equity to ignore.

So what exactly is Ocean Power? Navellier writes that it provides all sorts of clean energy solutions to the depths of the ocean. One sector of its business focuses on lithium-ion batteries for underwater uses, such as for environmental sensors and aquaculture systems. Ocean Power Technologies also provides real-time surveillance, keeping customers updated on what is happening at any given moment.

With just a few weeks to go until Election Day, consider diving into OPTT stock. Your portfolio, and the environment, will thank you.


Should You Buy ConocoPhillips Stock Ahead of the Election?

[Monday, October 19, 3:21 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

It has been a rough year for oil and gas companies.

Despite that, industry giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is making a major comeback play. The company announced Monday that it will acquire rival Concho Resources (NYSE:CXO) for $9.7 billion. This will be the largest industry deal since the novel coronavirus pandemic, and it will be the largest takeover for ConocoPhillips in over a decade.

On the surface level, it may sound like you should be running away from COP stock at full speed. What reasonable company wants to acquire more struggling assets right now. Remember, an oil price war, falling demand and ESG concerns have all weighed on oil and gas companies leading up to 2020.

However, it seems that Wall Street wants to flirt with the new-and-improved ConocoPhillips. Shares of COP stock may be down in intraday trading, but analysts are already speculating on the long-term benefits the combined company will face. For instance, it should have annual cost savings of more than $500 million by 2022. ConocoPhillips will also get scale — and a ton of access to valuable acreage in the Permian Basin region of Texas.

Importantly, some analysts think the deal will also offer ConocoPhillips some protection from a Democratic Washington. Just as we saw with Devon Energy (NYSE:DVX), an acquisition could be a silver lining. CEO Ryan Lance said that, recognizing the priorities of former Vice President Joe Biden, ConocoPhillips would reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions. Through its new scale and resources, it would also be able to shine through measures such as a carbon tax.

Still not convinced? Even as ConocoPhillips doubles down on a less-than-perfect industry, it may be able to thrive. The combined company would have average per-barrel supply costs of $30. That means even without a true recovery to pre-pandemic levels, it could generate returns that will appeal to investors. Plus, COP stock ended up on a short list from InvestorPlace’s Joel Baglole. He picked ConocoPhillips as one of the most resilient oil companies to buy for industry recovery.

While we wait for that recovery to continue unfolding, ConocoPhillips is taking the plunge. If analysts are right, there is plenty of profit in store.


7 Solar Stocks to Buy for a 'Biden Bump'

[Monday, October 19, 12:03 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

We are at a turning point in the solar industry.

As InvestorPlace contributor Dana Blankenhorn wrote this morning, solar power is becoming increasingly accessible. In this decade, he believes solar panels and related tech will become something of a consumer product. Just like our smartphones and laptops, we will be able to control solar devices from the palms of our hands. This accessibility and mainstream adoption will support a major rally in solar stocks. So too will a Joe Biden victory on Election Day.

Importantly, Wall Street now firmly believes we will see such a victory.

Over the weekend, Joyce Chang, the chair of global research at JPMorgan, published a definitive note. According to the analyst, the new base expectation is that Biden will win (subscription required). Gone are the outsized fears of a contested election or voter fraud. Investors are bidding up certain equities — like solar stocks — with confidence.

Sure, solar stocks are not a sure bet. Leading companies like First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) and Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN) command a great deal of investor enthusiasm, but they do not employ perfect business models. They must figure out high costs, supply-demand imbalances and navigate a changing industry. However, an influx of $2 trillion from the White House could radically transform the playing field for the likes of FSLR, RUN and even their more speculative peers.

With that in mind, solar may be one of the safest places to be before Nov. 3. Prep your portfolio with these seven stocks:

  • First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR)
  • SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR)
  • Canadian Solar (NASDAQ:CSIQ)
  • Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN)
  • NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE)
  • Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG)
  • SolarWindow Technologies (OTCMKTS:WNDW)

The Advent Technologies SPAC Looks Hot Under Biden

[Thursday, October 15, 2:38 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Although so much about the upcoming presidential election is uncertain, investors have been confident in one thing. If former Vice President Joe Biden takes the White House, all sorts of renewable energy plays will have their time in the spotlight.

As the Democratic candidate widens his lead in polls and continues to rack up electoral college support, this has meant that electric car stocks, hydrogen stocks and solar stocks have been shining. In recent weeks, we have seen massive moves higher in names like SPI Energy (NASDAQ:SPI), First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR), Workhorse (NASDAQ:WKHS) and Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG). According to Bloomberg, a new starlet may be ready to debut.

Scott Deveau and Gillian Tan reported earlier this week that Advent Technologies had just agreed to come public through a SPAC — through a reverse merger with a blank-check company. What exactly is Advent Technology? The company makes fuel cells and components that convert hydrogen and other renewable fuels into electricity. Importantly, its solutions are geared toward the automobile and aviation markets.

The SPAC in question is AMCI Acquisition (NASDAQ:AMCI), which raised $200 million when it came public back in 2018. Once the reverse merger completes, AMCI has said that Advent will have a value, including debt, of approximately $358 million.

So what exactly does this mean for investors? Rivals Plug Power and FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:FCEL) have finally started to shine, after many years of languishing in the market. It has taken quite some time for the real-world applications to catch up to the science — and for consumers to get on board. Now, Wall Street and Main Street are getting familiar with hydrogen-powered vehicles, forklifts and all sorts of other machinery. Controversial Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA) even plans to deploy a massive fleet of big rigs using fuel cell technology.

This could mean that Advent Technologies is choosing to come public at the perfect time. With a value of $358 million, it would come in at about half the market capitalization of FuelCell. Perhaps investors would rush at the chance to get in at a smaller-scale version of a hot stock, bidding it up to similar success. But, ahead of November, there is another big catalyst for investors to consider.

If Biden wins, he has promised to invest $2 trillion in clean energy initiatives and start the United States on the path to achieving 100% carbon-free power by 2035. Both are lofty and expensive goals, and hydrogen fuel cell technology could benefit from both. For instance, Ben German wrote for Axios that fuel cells would be almost certainly a necessity in a push to embrace carbon-free power. Plus, if Nikola pulls through, it would be leading the way to distribute hydrogen charging stations around the country. This could set the stage for Advent Technologies to shine.

As with all SPAC stocks, many details remain unknown. For now, keep Advent Technologies are your radar and consider the election implications. AMCI stock could start trending higher as Nov. 3 nears.


9 Gun Stocks to Buy to Protect the Second Amendment

[Wednesday, October 14, 2:58 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

As InvestorPlace contributor Josh Enomoto highlighted this morning, politics do not always make sense. Take for example gun control, and the effect such policies have on gun stocks.

Ahead of the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden increasingly looks like the better candidate. He is outperforming in most polls, including a look at electoral college votes. He and running mate Sen. Kamala Harris are both in favor of stricter gun laws. In fact, when Harris herself was running for the Democratic nomination, she promised to mandate stricter background checks, close the so-called boyfriend loophole and ban assault weapons.

Perhaps you would think then, ahead of a Biden victory, that gun stocks would be languishing. But Enomoto quickly explains why that is not the case. Gun-toting Americans — to borrow his phrase — feel safe when Republicans are in office. Leading up to the election, and then to the presidential inauguration if Democrats win, gun sales are likely to soar. Consumers will want to stock up on all sorts of guns and ammunition in case new laws make it harder to acquire what they love.

That, it turns out, is a beautiful catalyst for leading gun and ammo companies.

Here are nine of the best stocks to buy ahead of that upside momentum:

  • Smith & Wesson Brands (NASDAQ:SWBI)
  • Sturm Ruger (NYSE:RGR)
  • Vista Outdoor (NYSE:VSTO)
  • Sportsman’s Warehouse (NASDAQ:SPWH)
  • Olin Corporation (NYSE:OLN)
  • Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
  • Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)
  • CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW)
  • Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ:BGFV)

Could Microsoft Stock Be the Best Buy Before November?

[Monday, October 12, 3:29 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) inhabits an odd space in the tech world. For some reason, investors — and the general public — see it as more trustworthy than its peers. With the exception of the TikTok drama, the company is rarely in the news for scandal. Plus, when lawmakers called the CEOs of peers Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL), Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to testify, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was spared.

Make no mistake, however. Microsoft is not excluded based on its lack of power, or a relatively smaller size. In fact, with a $1.7 trillion market capitalization, it is very much in the leagues of these tech names.

This lack of bipartisan hatred, combined with a new catalyst and its plans for next-generation developments, could make MSFT stock one of the best buys ahead of Election Day.

So what exactly is happening?

Kartikay Mehrota reported for Bloomberg on Monday that Microsoft was leading the way in a fight to protect election security. Along with other companies, Microsoft is waging an attack on Trickbot, a malicious software that powers a global network of infected computers. Importantly, this effort to disconnect Trickbot from its network should protect election results. How? Mehrota writes that without interference, Trickbot could support a series of ransomware attacks that could affect election night results and complicate voter registration, among other things.

Election security has been a hot topic in the United States, particularly during the presidential and vice-presidential debates. Everyone wants to know if President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will honor the results, and whether the rise of mail-in voting and foreign election influence will compromise the integrity of the outcome. Moves by Microsoft to keep the election safe could earn it favor on Wall Street. This is especially true because it is already a more politically neutral name than its peers.

As you look to Election Day, keep Microsoft stock on your radar. It could very well be a winner.


The Array Technologies IPO Is Ready to Shine

[Monday, October 12, 9:55 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

A new solar company is coming to Wall Street and investors better get excited. Why? The upcoming Array Technologies IPO is sure to generate excitement. Here is what you need to know:

  • The company will trade under the ticker ARRY on the Nasdaq Exchange.
  • Array Technologies makes mounting systems that help solar panels track the sun. This optimizes their exposure to the sun throughout the day, and increases energy production.
  • Importantly, Array is the second-largest manufacturer in this market, and it is on a long growth runway. The company is already profitable, and its financials have all been steadily improving.
  • Investors have been gobbling up solar stocks lately, setting the stage for a massive IPO from Array Technologies.
  • Plus, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris have promised to support clean energy projects. This could leader to greater demand for products from Array Technologies.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on the Array Technologies IPO here.

7 Electric Truck Stocks to Buy for a Biden Presidency

[Friday, October 9, 3:37 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

It is no secret that electric vehicles have dominated consumer and investor interest over the last few months. A perfect blending of trends — like economic incentives, the rise of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), a growing desire to be environmentally conscious and the novel coronavirus — have made electric car stocks some of the biggest winners. But in all the buzz over passenger vehicles, one expert thinks Wall Street could be missing a bigger opportunity in hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

Many individuals may see electric vehicles and battery-powered vehicles as one and the same, but battery EVs are just one type of green car gaining traction. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are an eco-friendly alternative, and for many purposes, may be more effective. One area that these FCEVs stand out is in the trucking world, where heavy batteries weigh down a truck and get in the way of cargo. Plus, while current battery technology allows us to drive across the country in BEVs, it does have its limitations.

This reality is why Joann Muller wrote for Axios this morning that the biggest hydrogen advancements will come in the world clean-semi trucks. Tesla has long been developing one, and controversial Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA) has plans with General Motors (NYSE:GM) to do the same. And each day, just like with electric passenger cars, new entrants are coming to market. Hyliion (NYSE:HYLN), a company working to fuel big rigs with clean natural gas, just completed its reverse merger to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Everywhere you look, there is a new electric truck company.

Importantly, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, if elected, would make help accelerate this trend. Right now, one headwind facing these companies is the lack of public hydrogen-charging stations around the country. Just as Tesla had to build out a charging infrastructure, these trucking companies will need to do the same. The Democratic ticket wants to help, though. Biden and Harris have outlined plans to invest $2 trillion in clean energy infrastructure, including charging stations. In other words, a blue White House will lead a much greener future.

Prep for that outcome with these seven electric truck stocks to buy:

  • Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA)
  • General Motors (NYSE:GM)
  • Total (NYSE:TOT)
  • Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF)
  • Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)
  • Hyliion (NYSE:HYLN)
  • Toyota (NYSE:TM)

5 Gig Economy Stocks to Watch After Election Day

[Friday, October 9, 12:34 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

As Kia Kokalitcheva wrote for Axios, the gig economy is on the ballot this Election Day, at least for Californians. Proposition 22, the ballot question, is already quite expensive for voters. Its outcome, however, will further shape the future for a handful of companies that consumers have come to rely on amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

So what exactly is at stake? Just over a year ago, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 5 into law. This legislation required gig economy companies to treat their workers as employees, not independent contractors. For Uber (NYSE:UBER) and Lyft (NASDAQ:LYFT), this meant that their fleets of drivers would become employees, adding a bunch of costs for the companies.

Since then, Uber, Lyft and a handful of their peers have been fighting it. Proposition 22 is the culmination of those efforts, and if it passes, could guarantee a more profitable future for the gig economy.

Essentially, the bill would strike a balance. Gig economy workers would gain benefits like minimum earnings, vehicle insurance and healthcare subsidies. At the same time, Uber and Lyft can still avoid true reclassifications of their workers.

So what exactly do investors need to know? Right now, polling shows that Proposition 22 has a good chance of passing. Additionally, Bank of America analyst Justin Post, among other analysts, thinks that Uber will have a brighter future because of Prop 22. He agrees with the polls, and is maintaining a “buy” rating on shares in anticipation that it will pass.

Additionally, it is important to remember that ride-hailing companies are just one portion of the gig economy. While they have struggled amid the coronavirus, their peers in food delivery, crafts and freelance services have soared. Etsy (NASDAQ:ETSY) has seen a boom thanks to face mask sales. Fiverr (NYSE:FVRR) saw its revenue grow almost 90% year-over-year, driven on by a surge of platform use.

Ahead of Election Day then, keep a close eye on gig economy stocks. The passage of Proposition 22 could guarantee the industry some safety across the United States and spur investor interest in these equities.


3 Election-Proof Defense Stocks to Buy Now

[Wednesday, October 7, 11:33 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Tonight, Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence will face off. Ahead of the vice presidential debate, investors face an endless list of questions. Will anyone get sick? Will there be shouting? And what will we learn from each candidate that could change the course of Wall Street?

It is hard to answer those questions. That is why, for many investors, the best course of action is to find strong stocks to buy that will hold up regardless of who wins. According to InvestorPlace’s Divya Premkumar, one place to start is the defense sector.

Sure, defense companies work on high-value projects, and we are watching the novel coronavirus decimate all sort of spending. But as Premkumar writes, the federal government is one customer that has deep pockets, even during a pandemic. That reality, and the constantly important nature of national security, are supporting defense stocks here.

Start strengthening your portfolio with these there election-proof names:

  • Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)
  • Boeing (NYSE:BA)
  • Leidos Holdings (NYSE:LDOS) 

4 Biometrics Stocks to Buy Ahead of Election Day

[Tuesday, October 6, 4:50 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The market for biometrics — body measurements and calculations related to human characteristics — is set to grow to almost $43 billion by 2025. Driving this growth is a need for safety, particularly as companies and sectors embrace new business models like working from home. Not sure how to connect the dots? Biometrics can be used as a form of authentication, like an alternate to a password, for identification and to control access to sensitive information.

Safety, in many forms, has been a key priority ahead of Election Day.

President Donald Trump focuses on safety in the context of support for law enforcement and immigration officers. He also touts the need for safety in the context of manufacturing, calling for a new push to make tech and drugs within the borders of the United States. Former Vice President Joe Biden takes a more holistic approach, promising to keep everyone — and the planet — safe through a variety of social services and expanded healthcare access. Both have taken steps that indicate their support for strengthening American cybersecurity.

Importantly, many investors are also considering safety in the context of voting. Will their mail-in votes be counted? Will Trump or Biden contest election results? If so, what will happen?

One application of biometric authentication could, at least in the future, offer secure voting even in remote circumstances. Election and tech officials have debated it in the context of United States, but countries including India, Kenya and Armenia have discussed or used some form of biometric authentication in the past. As the market expands, the ease of use and reliability of such e-voting could expand as well.

While risks in the space remain, including concerns of surveillance and privacy, it appears that biometrics stocks will only continue to grow. Take these four recommendations from InvestorPlace’s Faizan Farooque as you prep for this Election Day, and many Election Days to come.

  • Intellicheck (NASDAQ:IDN)
  • Bio-key (NASDAQ:BKYI)
  • Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)
  • Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL)

7 Electric Car Stocks to Buy for the CHARGE Act

[Friday, October 2, 2:56 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

It is no secret that electric vehicles — and the stocks behind them — have been hot so far in 2020.

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), despite recent struggles, has become the most valuable automaker by market capitalization. The company continues to make massive innovations in vehicle and battery tech. Plus, new entrants to the publicly traded world such as Fisker (NYSE:SPAQ), Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) and Xpeng (NYSE:XPEV) have captivated investor attention.

Many investors may assume that former Vice President Joe Biden is the only candidate who will support further success for these electric car stocks. That is a fair assumption — the Democratic nominee has pledged to invest $2 trillion in clean energy infrastructure such as vehicle charging networks. In fact, Biden may be the best outcome for EVs, but not the only source of positivity. President Donald Trump shared during the first debate on Tuesday that he in fact is “all in” when it comes to electric cars.

Whether or not he meant that, and regardless of how it translates to policy, there is reason investors should take note here. Yesterday, Trump signed into law an important piece of bipartisan legislation. The Charging Helps Agencies Realize General Efficiencies (CHARGE) Act broadly gives federal employees the ability to use their charge cards for costs related to EVs, such as charging. Hear me out. As much as this seems a niche benefit, many lawmakers believe that federal support for electric vehicles will incentivize nationwide adoption.

The CHARGE Act truly had bipartisan support. Representatives from both parties, and from states across the country, backed the bill. Plus, this same group is interested in pushing forward legislation on self-driving cars in the near future.

Regardless of who wins then, electric car stocks could benefit. Take a cue from InvestorPlace contributor Josh Enomoto and buy these seven stocks:

  • Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)
  • Toyota (NYSE:TM)
  • Ford (NYSE:F)
  • Sony (NYSE:SNE)
  • Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY)
  • Ferrari (NYSE:RACE)
  • ElectraMeccanica Vehicles (NASDAQ:SOLO)

7 Infrastructure Stocks to Buy for Trump or Biden

[Wednesday, September 30, 2:05 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Doesn’t boring sound nice after last night’s debate? I sure think so.

Turns out that InvestorPlace contributor Bret Kenwell agrees.

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden duked it out over the future of healthcare, law enforcement, the novel coronavirus pandemic, the economy and climate change. Voters have expressed fear over these key issues, as well as over Election Day itself. With all of this chaos, it is hard for investors to know just what to do.

That is why Kenwell is recommending that Wall Street turn to infrastructure stocks ahead of the election. No one is about to call equipment rental or concrete sexy, but chances are, they will be incredibly stable. Why? So-called boring infrastructure companies can navigate the volatility, keep doing their business, and come out on the other side stronger.

But there is another big reason to turn to infrastructure stocks now. Both Trump and Biden are likely to funnel more money into infrastructure spending. Construction projects like roads and bridges and 5G cell towers would get Americans back to work. That is why many lawmakers — and even Trump himself — have voiced support for an infrastructure-focused stimulus package. A Biden presidency may bring more clean energy projects, such as building out the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations, but it could still be a boon for the industry.

With that in mind, here are seven infrastructure stocks to buy now:

  • Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT)
  • Cummins (NYSE:CMI)
  • United Rentals (NYSE:URI)
  • U.S. Concrete (NASDAQ:USCR)
  • American Tower (NYSE:AMT)
  • Blackstone (NYSE:BX)
  • Fluor (NYSE:FLR)

Buy Blink Charging Stock for a Biden EV Boom

[Wednesday, September 30, 9:52 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Blink Charging (NASDAQ:BLNK), one of the only public pure plays on electric vehicle charging, is seeing its stock rally in the market today. Shares were up 5% in pre-market trading, and are now up more than 9%. Here is what investors need to know:

  • A Bank of America analyst wrote yesterday that, over the next four years, half of all vehicle models produced will likely rely on alternative fuels.
  • Blink Charging — with its nationwide network — would be able to power those new models.
  • Behind the boom in EV production is a new goal from California. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to end state sales of gas-powered cars.
  • There is also the key element of the election year. Former Vice President Joe Biden is much more likely to support Newsom, and therefore a rally in BLNK stock.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief here.

Devon Energy Stock Looks Like a Buy on WPX Acquisition

[Monday, September 28, 10:24 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) is looking to please investors and shore up its fortress. It just announced that it would acquire shale peer WPX Energy (NYSE:WPX). Here is everything investors need to know:

  • Devon will spend $2.56 billion to acquire WPX in an all-stock deal.
  • The combined company will represent one of the largest independent U.S. shale producers.
  • Together, Devon and WPX have a significant presence in the hottest regions of the Permian Basin.
  • The deal should also protect Devon from political risks if former Vice President Joe Biden wins in November. Biden has promised to ban fracking on federal lands, which would affect DVN acreage in Delaware.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on DVN stock here.

23 Electric Car Stocks to Buy for a Biden Victory

[Friday, September 25, 3:38 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

California is fueling up the race toward all-electric vehicles. In an announcement Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom told state lawmakers they need to start drafting legislation with one goal in mind: Ending the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. The fate of his proclamation rests almost entirely on the upcoming November presidential election.

Earlier this week we highlighted just what is at stake with the Supreme Court. Following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Donald Trump is racing to nominate and confirm her replacement. If he succeeds, one of the biggest issues on the docket is the environment. Trump is likely push for a rollback in carbon emissions regulations, and California could come under fire.

Investors should note that Trump has already bashed Newsom’s plan — calling it “anti-consumer.” If he were to win his reelection and see his SCOTUS pick confirmed, he could “eliminate” the legislation. While this would be a boon for companies behind gas-powered cars, it would throw a big wrench in California’s plan to fight climate change.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is a fan of electric vehicles, and many industry experts think he would support any move from California to eliminate sales of gas-powered vehicles. Plus, he could keep the issue from ever reaching the Supreme Court.

But what does this all mean? If you are betting on Biden winning, it is time to start betting on electric car stocks. California may be ahead of the game, but other states will surely follow in its footsteps. To prepare your portfolio, check out this all-encompassing guide to EVs from InvestorPlace. While not all names on the list are pure plays on the space, these 23 companies are all embracing an electric future.

Here are the first 10 stocks to buy (click here for the full list):

  • Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)
  • General Motors (NYSE:GM)
  • Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA)
  • Fisker (NYSE:SPAQ)
  • Ford (NYSE:F)
  • Workhorse (NASDAQ:WKHS)
  • Lordstown Motors (NASDAQ:DPHC)
  • Nio (NYSE:NIO)
  • Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI)
  • Kandi Technologies (NASDAQ:KNDI)

6 Small-Cap Stocks to Buy No Matter Who Wins

[Friday, September 25, 11:10 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Earlier this week, we reported on one major trend that is shaping up ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Analysts and investment managers are starting to shift toward small-capitalization stocks, hoping to benefit no matter who ends up in the White House.

At the time, we shared how Dan Pipitone, the co-founder of the TradeZero America platform, though a combination of sector rotation and historical outperformance would make small-cap stocks the best way to play the election. He said that in the years immediately following presidential elections, the market typically calms down, allowing outperformance in smaller names that are typically more volatile.

It turns out that InvestorPlace’s Ian Cooper feels similarly about small-cap stocks. Citing the thinking of Pipitone, he just recommended a handful of top stocks to buy to position your portfolio for election-proof success. One of his picks was the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR). Here we will pick that apart, incorporating some of the top holdings in the exchange-traded fund.

Take a close look at this list of stocks from Cooper and start shoring up your portfolio:

  • Vaxart (NASDAQ:VXRT)
  • Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC)
  • Momenta Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:MNTA)
  • Neogen (NASDAQ:NEOG)
  • Stamps.com (NASDAQ:STMP)
  • NeoGenomics (NASDAQ:NEO)

Sunworks Stock Pops on Electric Vehicle Hopes

[Thursday, September 24, 9:13 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Investors, take note. Price action in Sunworks (NASDAQ:SUNW) Thursday indicates that the newest trend in alternate energy and electric vehicles is here. The market simply wants tiny, pure plays on these booming megatrends. Here is what you need to know about the rally in SUNW stock:

  • Sunworks has been on a tear Thursday morning, climbing almost 400% at one point in pre-market trading. At the time of this writing, it was up 260%.
  • The company recently agreed to a merger with Peck Holdings (NASDAQ:PECK), another solar company specializing in construction.
  • Many investors believe that the combined entity could launch an electric vehicle subsidiary or incorporate EVs in their business.
  • These hopes are likely thanks to a similar rally in SPI Energy (NASDAQ:SPI) yesterday.
  • Sunworks and its solar peers would also benefit from a former Vice President Joe Biden win.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on SUNW stock here.

How Should Investors View Stocks Ahead of Trump SCOTUS Pick?

[Wednesday, September 23, 12:04 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday has investors watching Washington with bated breath. Many Americans — including some top lawmakers — are calling for a delay on a replacement nomination until Election Day. But President Donald Trump is pressing ahead, promising to name his pick by the end of this week.

The nomination, and the following confirmation vote, could have broad implications for the United States. Top legal issues at stake include the Affordable Care Act, the Roe v. Wade ruling and interpretations of federal emissions regulations. While decisions on all three would have far-reaching influence, many investors are focusing on the latter issue now.

Trump has often framed his presidency as anti-regulation, overturning policies from the era of President Barack Obama and broadly supporting the American oil industry. He also recently removed regulations that delayed infrastructure projects by requiring a review of their environmental footprint.

His second-term campaign priorities call for pushing back even more on those Obama-era regulations. Unsurprisingly, former Vice President Joe Biden takes an opposite approach, calling for a huge federal investment in clean energy infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging stations. Biden has also promised to one day implement “aggressive” methane pollution limits. But as Ben German wrote for Axios, the nomination and quick confirmation of Trump’s pick could tie Biden’s hands.

So, who are the winners and the losers in this situation?

American automakers have argued that Trump’s calls for looser standards would hurt their bottom line. Why? These automakers — like General Motors (NYSE:GM), BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) and Toyota (NYSE:TM) — have already adapted to Obama-era regulations that are in line with strict standards from California. Now that other states have embraced California’s standards, any move from Trump could force automakers to produce two lines of vehicles. Additionally, electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) would suffer from a reduced government focus on the environment.

Companies that mine palladium, platinum and rhodium are other losers. This list includes Norilsk Nickel (OTCMKTS:NILSY), Sibanye Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW) and Impala Platinum (OTCMKTS:IMPUY).

Perhaps more obviously, the winners in such a situation are traditional oil and gas companies. Although some of the biggest players like Chevron (NYSE:CVX) and Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) have pledged to reduce their emissions, Trump has long said looser regulations benefit the smaller companies in the space. His moves would make it so that these smaller companies have to spend less to comply. Potential winners here include Oasis Petroleum (NASDAQ:OAS), Abraxas Petroleum (NASDAQ:AXAS) and Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET).


7 Small-Cap Stocks to Buy for Election-Proof Returns

[Tuesday, September 22, 3:32 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Investors are all looking for a rock to cling to and get through the storm. Just a few weeks ago, that universal rock was Big Tech. The likes of Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) got the stock market through the first few months of the novel coronavirus crisis — and a massive selloff. Now, as investors brace themselves for the next storm in November, they are once again looking for shelter.

According to Dan Pipitone, co-founder of the TradeZero America investment platform, smart investors should be turning to small-cap, or at least smaller, stocks. That sounds rather contrarian. Would you not want to grab onto big, solid names on Wall Street? Who wants to take their chances with more volatile equities ahead of an historic election?

Pipitone puts it simply. Sector rotation out of tech stocks is happening, as we have seen in the Nasdaq Composite over the last few weeks. FAANG leaders are struggling to maintain their dominance, and investors may not want to just hold on for the wild ride.

Plus, history tells us that small stocks outperform in the years immediately following presidential elections. Why? Once the initial rush of headlines, debates and drama is over, presidents get down to business and focus on policy. This creates a major opportunity for small-cap stocks.

Fund managers are following this advice, working to find high-quality, small-cap stocks to recommend before the election. Some of the most popular names include Brazilian payments firm StoneCo (NASDAQ:STNE) and coronavirus vaccine makers Vaxart (NASDAQ:VXRT) and iBio (NYSEMKT:IBIO). Each of these companies offers investors a chance to ride a hot trend with slightly more payout potential in the aftermath of the election.

If you want to shore up your portfolio and profit from major market trends, consider this list of top small-cap stocks to buy from InvestorPlace analyst Louis Navellier:

  • Camping World Holdings (NYSE:CWH)
  • Forterra (NASDAQ:FRTA)
  • MarineMax (NYSE:HZO)
  • K12 Inc (NYSE:LRN)
  • Superior Group of Companies (NASDAQ:SGC)
  • Shutterstock (NYSE:SSTK)
  • Viemed Healthcare (NASDAQ:VMD)

Buy 'Fundamentally Superior' Stocks Ahead of the Election

[Tuesday, September 22, 11:31 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

InvestorPlace analyst Louis Navellier knows that many Americans are worried about the election. They want to know how the results will impact their portfolios… and all other aspects of their everyday lives.

Navellier has a resounding message for investors: Buy “fundamentally superior” stocks.

You may find this stance to be surprising. There is certainly a lot of volatility and fear surrounding the November election. Who will win? What policies will be enacted? How will those policies impact the stock market? Business? Taxes? Navellier is betting that no matter the answers to those questions, it is time to buy stocks.

Broadly, Navellier thinks the fact that interest rates will remain low is an upside catalyst for the market. We just recently reported on plans from the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates at near-zero levels through 2023. And as Navellier highlights, even if the Fed wanted to reverse that strategy, a $3.3 trillion deficit is weighing on the central bank.

With this all in mind, Navellier is recommending that investors buy a group of stocks he sees as fundamentally superior. He is looking for high-quality stocks that are in a prime position for profits for the rest of the year. If you want to ride through the election with nothing but gains on your mind, consider following his advice.

Read the rest of his thoughts on the election here.


7 Coronavirus Vaccine Stocks to Buy on Trump Promises

[Monday, September 21, 1:54 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Last week was filled with headline after headline after headline about vaccines for the novel coronavirus. Not content to play second fiddle, President Donald Trump made some coronavirus news of his own Friday afternoon.

It all started with AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN). Kicking off the week, investors learned that the pharmaceutical company had received approval to restart its vaccine trials with the University of Oxford. Largely considered a leader in the vaccine race, it was a blow when AstraZeneca had to pause trials over a participant who developed an unexplained illness.

After AstraZeneca we saw market-moving headlines from pretty much every other pharma and biotech company under the sun. Trials are progressing, results are promising, companies are just weeks or months away from seeking regulatory approval. Some companies are even targeting such approval by the end of 2020.

Trump saw his chance. On Friday, he announced that the United States would manufacture at least 100 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine by December and be able to inoculate every American by April. Once again leaning into the military as a means of delivering the vaccine, Trump promised that each month would see hundreds of millions more doses ready to go. His latest update on Operation Warp Speed comes as he continues to link vaccine approval to his reelection chances.

There are two things for investors to note here. The first is that regulatory and health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are not necessarily on board with the president. Other experts have pushed back on his rapid timeline, saying it would more likely be mid-2021 before such a vaccine was ready for mass deployment. Investors should also note that, like it or not, any indication of early approval from Trump would be a huge boost to the stock market.

With that in mind, here are the seven top coronavirus vaccine stocks to watch now, courtesy of InvestorPlace’s Thomas Niel:

  • AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN)
  • CureVac (NASDAQ:CVAC)
  • GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK)
  • Inovio (NASDAQ:INO)
  • Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
  • Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA)
  • Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX)

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