Stock markets have a tough act to follow in 2026 after setting record highs in 2025. Since the market close on December 30, 2025, the S&P 500 is up about 17.5% for the year, while the Nasdaq has gained 21.5% and the Dow is up 14.1%.
While it’s hard to predict what’s in store for 2026, some stocks look poised to continue pushing higher. Which will be the top performers in 2026? GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT — and the stocks it picked include some of the hottest names on Wall Street.
Here are the top four stocks picked by ChatGPT, along with her highlights on the picks and what other experts have to say.
The first stock pick on ChatGPT’s list was Nvidia. Here were the strengths, risks and what to keep an eye on, for each ChatGPT.
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Strengths: It is considered a “best growth stock” thanks to its leadership in graphics processing units (GPUs) for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. “As long as data center building and demand for AI computing continue, NVDA could benefit,” ChatGPT said.
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Risks: It has a very high valuation, and there is also supply chain/export/competitive risk. “If AI hype subsides, the multiple may contract,” explained ChatGPT.
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What to keep an eye on in 2026: Earnings growth, new GPU launches, data center contract pipeline and margin trends.
Not everyone believes Nvidia’s momentum is sustainable. Among the skeptics is Chad Cummings, an attorney and CPA at Cummings & Cummings Law who previously worked in finance and tax with American Airlines, PwC and JPMorgan Chase.
“The Nvidia train is running out,” he told GOBankingRates. “We are advising clients to exit their positions before the end of the year. Its growth depends on hyperscalers continuing the unsustainable expansion of the data center. One slowdown or energy bottleneck reveals the narrative.”
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Next on the list of ChatGPT was Microsoft, and it mentioned these strengths, weaknesses and key factors to keep an eye on.
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Strengths: It is considered a leading AI infrastructure/cloud partner going into 2026 with a “strong recurring revenue base” and “large market share in cloud, enterprise and AI tools,” per ChatGPT.
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Risks: Its stock growth may slow due to “valuation crowding,” meaning the shares may soon be considered overvalued.
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What to keep an eye on in 2026: Growth in Microsoft’s cloud computing service business, as well as continued AI product launches.
Despite Microsoft’s robust growth and strong AI position, Cummings called the company “particularly troubling” because of potential legal and performance problems.