In this article, we will discuss the 12 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.
RBC Wealth Management noted that the consensus 2026 earnings growth forecast for the S&P 500 saw an increase from 13.6% at the start of the year to 23.3% by the end of June. Considering that it is the advanced stage of the economic cycle, this is an unusual leap over a short time span. Healthy economic data, along with little-to-no tangible signs of economic slowdown, aided stock prices.
The firm also reported that economists’ consensus forecast is for US GDP growth of 2.1% this year and next. This is roughly the level of the long-term average.
After a period of underperformance, the small-cap and mid-cap indexes advanced in H1, added RBC Wealth Management. The firm attributed the gains partly to strong performance by semiconductors and other stocks related to the AI data center buildout and improving consensus earnings growth estimates of small-cap companies, with 2027 projections surpassing the ones in the S&P 500. Also, the comparatively inexpensive valuations of the small-caps and mid-caps versus the large-cap indexes were rewarded by the market participants.
Amidst such trends, we will now have a look at the 12 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.
Our Methodology
To list the 12 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds, we scanned through reputable research platforms and sifted through the holdings of The Monopoly ETF. We also mentioned the hedge fund sentiments around each stock, as of Q1 2026. Finally, the stocks are arranged in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiments.
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. Insider Monkey’s quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 599.2% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 372 percentage points (see more details here).
12 Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds
12. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On June 30, Baird initiated coverage on the company’s stock with an “Outperform” rating, setting a price objective of $121.00. The firm sees Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)’s portfolio as delivering steady top-line and earnings growth over the upcoming several years. As per the firm, the company’s medical device segment is expected to see an above-peer growth trajectory.
The company’s diagnostics, nutrition, and established pharmaceutical offerings enhance Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)’s reach throughout the healthcare spectrum. As per the firm, there is a clearer path to upside in FY 2027 and FY 2028, with new products and indication opportunities layering in, and Exact Sciences integration and synergies contributing to the results.
In a different update, Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar reduced the firm’s price objective on Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)’s stock to $112 from $120 and maintained an “Outperform” rating. The firm’s Q2 preview for MedTech, Life Sciences Tools, and Diagnostics demonstrates healthy procedure volumes as well as capex trends throughout the sector.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is engaged in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and selling health care products.
11. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 6, Evercore ISI lifted its price objective on the company’s stock to $380 from $345, and maintained an “In Line” rating on the shares. As per the analyst, the trends are expected to be strong for Q2 regional bank and specialty finance EPS. That being said, the main focus will be on forward guidance, considering the higher-for-longer interest rate backdrop.
In a different update, Citi analyst Ben Gerlinger maintained a “Hold” rating on the company’s stock, setting a price objective of $355.00. The rating is backed by factors, which include strong operating momentum but limited upside over the near term. As per the analyst, American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is planning to reinvest much of its incremental revenue into the business. This constrains earnings leverage and might impact investor sentiment.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) operates as an integrated payments company.
10. AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 91
AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 7, Wells Fargo lifted the price objective on the company’s stock to $575 from $571, and maintained an “Overweight” rating. The analyst noted that mobile game checks in Q2 reflect weakness in the return on advertising spend because of cost-per-install inflation.
Furthermore, AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP)’s category share has peaked at ~45%, added the analyst. Also, web advertising share of wallet is 5% – 10% and did not change much on a YTD basis. The new advertiser growth is modest. As per the analyst, the setup heading into Q2 earnings remains tough.
In a different update, Fitch Ratings upgraded AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP)’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’. Also, it upgraded the company’s revolving credit facility and unsecured notes to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’. The upgrade is backed by AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP)’s leading and strong market position in mobile gaming and elevated scale of spend on its platforms.
AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP) is a technology company that provides AI-powered software solutions designed to help businesses, primarily mobile app developers, grow by acquiring users and monetizing their apps.
9. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 134
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 6, Bloomberg reported that Turing Inc. is being backed by AMD Ventures. Furthermore, it has started adopting Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)’s AI accelerators in its systems. To provide a brief background, AMD Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD).
Turing Inc. plans to offer its software on the consumer market as well as in driverless robotaxis as early as 2028, reported Bloomberg. In an effort to ensure price competitiveness in the broader capital-intensive autonomous driving arena, the company decided to utilise AMD graphics processors.
The startup continues to add to its capabilities as it is building towards the commercial launch. The company has been dependent on Nvidia hardware for AI training and inferencing since it was founded, and handles ~10% of the AI training needs with the help of AMD graphics processing units.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is a leading semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing and graphics solutions. Its broad product portfolio includes microprocessors, graphics processors, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions designed for data centers, gaming, and embedded systems.
8. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 157
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 7, Baird raised its price objective on the company’s stock to $680 from $660, and maintained an “Outperform” rating. The firm expects revenue growth acceleration over the upcoming quarters, thanks to the easing comparisons and anniversary of Capital One and Discover impacts. The firm opines that healthy yields and better-than-street margins are expected to mitigate impacts from the marginally worse FX volatility and higher interest from the new debt package.
As comparisons ease in H2 2026, there can be acceleration of revenue growth, added the firm. Also, it expects that Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA)’s Q2 revenue and earnings per share will surpass the Street estimates.
In a different update, it was announced that VEON Ltd. and Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) are joining hands to ramp up the development of inclusive, intelligent, and accessible financial services throughout Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a technology company, which offers transaction processing and other payment-related products and services.
7. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 170
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 2, CNBC, while quoting Nikkei Asia, noted that the company plans at least 5 new iPhone models through early 2027. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has lifted its foldable iPhone production plans to 10 million units. CNBC, while quoting Bloomberg, also reported that the tech giant explored Chinese chip suppliers. This is because AI demand continues to strain the memory supplies.
CNBC, while quoting Nikkei Asia, added that as the company prepares to launch its first-ever foldable device, it has already secured components for ~80 million smartphones diversified throughout new models for H2 2026. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s total smartphone production for 2026 can surpass 220 million units, with the company’s scale and purchasing power in getting memory and components remaining stronger than its competitors.
As a result, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) managed to navigate the supply shortages better than its Chinese competitors.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and home accessories.
6. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 181
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the Best Monopoly Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. On July 6, Baird lifted the price objective on the company’s stock to $412 from $370, and maintained an “Outperform” rating. The firm believes that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a long-term compounder possessing robust secular trends. The company’s stock is expected to take a breather post the recent rally, with investors considering FY 2027 guidance.
There are concerns based on the potentially difficult comparisons for value-added services and pricing. As per the firm, ~25x NTM earnings demonstrates a good entry point for the long-term. The firm believes that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) will report a Q3 2026 revenue and earnings per share beat. Also, it expects a marginal increase to the company’s fiscal 2026 revenue guidance.
In a different update, Barclays analyst Nik Cremo initiated coverage of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)’s stock with an “Overweight” rating and a price objective of $420. The analyst stated that, after the broader sector reset, stock selection as well as identifying the durable franchises that are well-positioned for long-term growth matters.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) operates as a payment technology company.
While we acknowledge the potential of V 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 V and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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