In this article, we will take a look at the 10 Top Stocks Fund Managers Are Loading Up On in 2026.
With the macroeconomic uncertainty looming over the market, the spotlight on institutional positioning gets brighter. On March 27, 2026, CNBC reported that futures markets raised the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike by the end of 2026 to 52%. CME Group data shows that for the first time, expectations have crossed the 50% threshold. This upward trend in expectations follows the rising crude oil prices above $110, higher import costs, and increasing geopolitical tensions, which are heavily contributing to renewed inflationary pressure.
At the same time, inflation forecasts have been revised upward. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates U.S. inflation at 4.2% for the year, significantly above its earlier estimates. Concurrently, recession probabilities have also increased, with Moody’s Analytics forecasting a 50% chance of an economic downturn within the next 12 months. Goldman Sachs’s estimates place it at 30%. These overlapping risks create a need for investors to examine fund managers’ choices, which are often based on a strategy that balances growth exposure with capital preservation.
Taking into account the companies’ earnings resilience, pricing power, and the strength of their balance sheet, fund managers have historically adjusted their portfolios to weather uncertainty and to generate income. Acknowledging their significance, we have compiled a list of the 10 top stocks in which fund managers’ stakes are growing.
Our Methodology
We have come up with our list of 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026 by screening for stocks with upward momentum in top fund managers’ stakes over the last three months compared to the prior period, as reported by Morningstar. We ranked these stocks by the number of hedge funds holding a stake in each. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. All the pricing data are current as of market close on March 31, 2026.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP) is one of the 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026.
On March 30, 2026, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP) saw its price target from Deutsche Bank lowered from $34 to $28. The firm kept a Hold rating on the company’s stock. According to the firm, there are reported “legitimate and widespread pressures” mounting across the Consumer Packaged Goods sector due to Middle East conflicts. In the analyst research note, the firm further pointed out that the heightened cost inflation and potential demand destruction as consumers trade down to cheaper alternatives have led to underperformance in many stocks in March. Additionally, it also cited adverse currency fluctuations as another key headwind, creating uncertainty.
Prior to this update, on March 26, 2026, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP) raised approximately €3 billion in euro notes and $2.55 billion in U.S. dollar notes to finance its acquisition of JDE Peet’s N.V. The unsecured debt features multiple maturities from 2028 to 2056 and includes mandatory redemption clauses if the deal fails by February 2027.
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, formed in 2018 through the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Based in Texas, the company manufactures, markets, and distributes non-alcoholic beverages, including hot coffee and cold refreshments.
9. AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 52
AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) is one of the 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026.
On March 27, 2026, Deutsche Bank maintained a Sell rating on AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN). The firm’s analyst kept a price target of £115 on the stock. On the other hand, in a more recent update, Guggenheim raised the firm’s price target on AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) from 16,000 GBp to 16,500 GBp. Analyst Seamus Fernandez kept a Buy rating on the company’s stock. The firm made the adjustment following an update of its financial model ahead of Q1 earnings.
In another development, on March 31, 2026, AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) announced positive Phase III results for efzimfotase alfa – an investigational enzyme replacement therapy for hypophosphatasia. The program covered 196 patients across 22 countries to provide a lower-volume, less frequent dosing alternative to Strensiq. The MULBERRY trial met all primary endpoints in treatment-naive pediatric patients, showing significant bone health improvements. In addition, the CHESTNUT study confirmed that children who switched from Strensiq maintained clinical benefits. The HICKORY trial missed its primary mobility endpoint in adults but showed meaningful functional gains in pediatric-onset subgroups.
Founded in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group, AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) is a global biopharmaceutical leader with headquarters in the United Kingdom. The company focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines.
8. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026.
On March 19, 2026, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) reported estimated catastrophe losses of $140 million for February 2026. This brings the total catastrophe losses for January and February, after tax, to $249 million. However, the monthly report also highlighted a 2.5% year-over-year growth in total policies in force, reaching 38.4 million. The primary contributors to growth were the auto and homeowners segments, which saw annual increases of 3% and 2.5%, respectively. The increase was offset by a decline in commercial lines.
Separately from this development, on March 19, 2026, KBW reiterated its Buy rating on The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL). The firm’s analyst Meyer Shields kept a price target of $260 on the stock. As of March 31, 2026, 14 of 28 analysts following the company maintain their Buy rating on The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL). The 1-year median price target from analysts stands at $246.50.
Founded in 1931, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is a leading American insurance company with headquarters in Illinois. The company specializes in providing auto, home, and life insurance through multiple distribution channels.
7. Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) is one of the 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026.
On March 24, 2026, Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) announced it had signed a new Prime Vendor agreement with CarDon & Associates, a prominent Indiana-based senior living provider. Through this partnership, CarDon’s 20 communities will access Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN)’s extensive medical-surgical portfolio, including textiles and advanced wound care products. Additionally, the company’s Jeffersonville distribution center will support CarDon & Associates in serving Indiana communities, where CarDon has operated for over 45 years. Allen Amaral, Senior Vice President for non-acute care strategic accounts at Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) gave the following statement:
We will help streamline their operations and strengthen care across their communities by delivering the products and support needed to support efficient operations and quality care.
Earlier this month, on March 9, 2026, Tigress Financial raised its price target on Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) from $55 to $60. The firm’s analyst Ivan Feinseth kept a Buy rating on the stock. The analyst cited various durable levers that support superior market growth and margin expansion.
Founded in 1966, Medline Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLN) is a global leader in medical supply manufacturing and distribution. Based in Illinois, the company has a catalog of over 335,000 products, ranging from surgical drapes and exam gloves to advanced diagnostic equipment.
6. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE) is one of the 10 top stocks fund managers are loading up on in 2026.
On March 27, 2026, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE) announced the completion of a $600 million direct cash investment in Polymarket as part of a larger equity fundraising. The recent investment follows an initial $1 billion investment made earlier in October 2025. In addition, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE) has planned to purchase up to $40 million in securities from existing holders, thereby meeting its total investment obligations. Although the specifics of these investments remain undisclosed until the completion of the funding round, it is expected that these transactions will not materially impact the company’s financial results or capital return strategies.
Prior to this, on March 24, 2026, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE)’s subsidiary, NYSE, announced a partnership with Securitize to develop a tokenized securities platform. Securitize has been named the first eligible digital transfer agent and will mint blockchain-native securities for corporate and ETF issuers. Part of the partnership involves the NYSE further serving as a premier design partner alongside Securitize to facilitate a digital transfer agent program that supports the on-chain settlement of tokenized security transactions.
Founded in 2000, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE) is a leading American multinational financial services company that, together with its subsidiaries, specializes in providing technology and data to financial institutions, corporations, and government entities. Its headquarters is in Georgia.
While we acknowledge the potential of ICE to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ICE and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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