In this piece, we discuss the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
Wall Street goes into Friday, September 19, 2025, on a quieter note following a week marked by record-breaking highs, reflecting the delicate balance between investor optimism and economic caution. The stock market rally was driven by upbeat corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policy shifts, and renewed interest in companies tied to transformative technologies. FedEx shares climbed 3.5% in premarket trading, thanks to cost efficiencies and solid domestic demand that lifted its quarterly results above expectations. Meanwhile, its peer UPS shares gained after walking away from an acquisition bid in Mexico. At the same time, Intel caught investor attention after Nvidia revealed a $5 billion stake. The move reinforces investor confidence in the semiconductor sector’s central role in the AI-driven economy.
At the macro level, the Federal Reserve’s remarks on a cooling labor market and its focus on rate cuts provided reassurance that monetary easing could cushion growth risks without tipping into policy errors. Furthermore, the Russell 2000’s surge to its first record since 2021 indicates fresh confidence in smaller companies, which are often considered leaders of financial stability. With the market expecting developments from U.S.-China discussions and bracing for volatility due to quarterly expirations, investors look to favor resilient companies and defensive plays as key anchors in their portfolios.
With this backdrop in mind, let’s move on to our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
Methodology
To curate our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in For Financial Stability, we relied on investing forums, analyst reports, and advice from money managers and billionaires to compile a list of stocks that can provide financial stability to investors. These companies belong to defensive sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, and industrials. Finally, we ranked these stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in the respective stocks, as of Q2 2025.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
15. American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 11, 2025, American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) priced its public offering of $200 million in senior unsecured notes due 2030 and $375 million due 2035. Both offerings will be included in the company’s March 2025 offerings, priced above face value, and are expected to raise about $587.8 million in net proceeds.
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) aims to utilize the funds to repay borrowings under its $4.0 billion revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. Joint book-running managers for the offering are BBVA Securities, BofA Securities, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. The offering was made solely through an SEC-filed prospectus and supplement.
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT), one of the largest global REITs, owns, operates, and develops multi-tenant communications real estate. It manages nearly 150,000 sites and U.S. data centers. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
14. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 10, 2025, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) released its third Family Office Investment Insights report. The report, “Adapting to the Terrain,” reflects views from a record 245 family office decision-makers globally.
According to the report, allocations remained broadly steady, with shifts toward private credit, infrastructure, and public equities, despite mounting concerns over geopolitics, protectionism, and recession risks. Furthermore, the report revealed strong conviction in long-term growth themes, with 39% planning to increase private equity exposure and 38% public equities. Meanwhile, 86% reported investments in artificial intelligence. Moreover, growing interest in digital assets was noted, with one-third of family offices invested in cryptocurrencies. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) pointed out family offices’ resilience, patient capital, and appetite for innovation from AI to sports as key drivers for sustained opportunity.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS), a leading global financial institution, provides financial services across investment banking, securities, asset management, and consumer banking to corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
13. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73
With significant hedge fund interest, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
At the DSEI global defense conference in the UK, which took place on September 9, 2025, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) announced a strategic partnership with BAE Systems FalconWorks to co-develop uncrewed autonomous air systems.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)’s collaboration with BAE Systems will combine rapid design, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing expertise to create modular, cost-effective platforms offering multiple launch options, including air, ground, maritime, and wide-body aircraft deployment. The partnership will initially focus on electronic warfare and attack capabilities to enhance the survivability of crewed combat aircraft. As defense strategies increasingly demand blending crewed and uncrewed assets, the partnership aims to deliver disruptive, rapidly deployable technologies tailored for modern battlespaces.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), a global defense technology company, advances mission solutions and transformative innovations to strengthen 21st-century security, keeping its customers ahead in rapidly evolving domains. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
12. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 10, 2025, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) announced the submission of its bid to explore natural gas in four offshore blocks in Greece, in partnership with Hellenic Energy.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)’s bid targets areas off the Peloponnese peninsula and Crete. Earlier this year, Greece launched the tender, seeking to reduce reliance on Russian energy while boosting domestic production. The company emphasized the Eastern Mediterranean as a priority region for its future strategy. Furthermore, the move aligns with rising expectations of significant gas reserves in Greek waters, following major discoveries in neighboring Egypt and ongoing seismic studies by an ExxonMobil-led consortium near Crete.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), one of the world’s leading energy companies, delivers oil, natural gas, and low-carbon solutions to advance affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy globally. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
11. QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76
QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 10, 2025, QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) announced its collaboration with HARMAN to reshape the automotive cockpit, leveraging QCOM’s Snapdragon Cockpit Elite compute power with HARMAN’s modular Ready portfolio.
With this partnership, QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) aims to deliver AI-driven, empathetic in-cabin experiences, ranging from real-time ADAS visualization to emotion-aware interfaces, while streamlining automakers’ development cycles. Furthermore, initial deployments will target Europe and China, where demand for intelligent, connected vehicles is growing. Moreover, the partnership is co-developing solutions for HARMAN’s Central Compute portfolio, powered by Snapdragon Ride Elite and Flex SoCs, to unify safety-critical ADAS and infotainment on a single platform. It also brings consumer-tech innovation to mobility, ensuring vehicles adapt as seamlessly as smartphones.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) enables industry innovation and accelerates next-generation digital transformation across global ecosystems by delivering AI-powered platforms and Snapdragon technologies that transform consumer experiences. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
10. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 78
With significant hedge fund interest, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 15, 2025, Bernstein raised its price target on McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) from $310 to $320, maintaining a ‘Market Perform’ rating. The investment firm expects the company to outperform its peers in the short term with its new Extra Value Meals. Its offering positions the chain as a leader in affordability at a time when competitors may struggle to match pricing.
However, Bernstein also noted that while the initiative may drive higher traffic and beverage attachment, franchisee profitability could face pressure unless sales see sustained growth. Furthermore, the investment firm highlighted beverages as a key long-term growth driver. At the same time, analysts cautioned that overuse of limited-time offers or operational bottlenecks could impact the company’s brand strength and efficiency.
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) offers a diverse menu of food and beverages by operating and franchising restaurants globally, placing a strong emphasis on affordability, brand recognition, and scalable growth opportunities. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
9. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 10, 2025, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s shares rose 1.6% premarket following an analyst upgrade. TD Cowen, on the same day, upgraded the stock to ‘Buy’, thanks to a powerful turnaround story fueled by brand strength, management execution, and margin recovery.
The investment firm highlighted improving trends in Nike and Jordan footwear and apparel, particularly Tech Fleece. Meanwhile, competitors like Adidas, Skechers, and New Balance are experiencing slowing momentum. At the same time, consumer preferences remain strong, with running reaching a record 36.9% share and lifestyle holding near peak levels.
Looking ahead, TD Cowen projects NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s return to sales growth in FY24 ex-FX, growing to mid-single digits by FY27, with EBIT margin climbing to 9.3%. Accordingly, the investment firm raised the price target from $62 to $85.
With its brands like Nike, Jordan, Converse, and others, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) designs, develops, and markets athletic and casual footwear, apparel, equipment, and digital services. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
8. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88
With significant hedge fund interest, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 2, 2025, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) announced that it received notice of an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer from Tutanota LLC to purchase up to 500,000 shares at $128 each. The offer is contingent on PG’s stock closing above $128 before expiration. This implies that participating shareholders could receive a below-market price unless waived by Tutanota.
Meanwhile, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) urged investors not to tender shares due to unfavorable terms and a lack of standard investor protections. The company emphasized that it is not affiliated with Tutanota, which has launched similar offers targeting other firms previously. Furthermore, shareholders who have already tendered may withdraw before the offer’s September 22 deadline. As such, PG requested investors to consult advisors and review SEC guidance on mini-tender offers.
With its operations across 70 countries globally, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) provides leading household and personal care brands, including Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Olay, Oral-B, and Febreze. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
7. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 12, 2025, Piper Sandler reiterated its ‘Overweight’ rating on AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) with a $231 price target. This comes after the company settled with abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) filers over Rinvoq.
The agreement delays generic entry until April 2037, which is four years beyond the expiration of key composition IP in 2033. Thus, it provides AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) with an extended exclusivity window. The investment firm noted that the final years of exclusivity often result in peak sales with lower R&D and marketing costs. Looking ahead, analysts believe the settlement enhances the company’s long-term earnings outlook and justifies multiple expansion from its current value, as Rinvoq is projected to surpass $10 billion in annual U.S. sales by 2030.
AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, develops and markets innovative medicines across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, aesthetics, and other therapeutic areas. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
6. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89
With significant hedge fund interest, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 12, 2025, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) announced that its CEO, Jim Vena, held a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to discuss its proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The merger, which was announced in July, is expected to create the first coast-to-coast U.S. rail network, promising efficiencies but raising concerns among rivals and shippers over reduced competition.
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) considers the deal a “win-win” for consumers and unionized workers. With Trump’s support, the company looks at the deal as potentially pivotal in expediting regulatory approval. Previously, at a Morgan Stanley conference, Vena stated that senior administration officials also understood the value of the proposal.
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) serves key industries and enables nationwide freight connectivity through Union Pacific Railroad, which transports agricultural, industrial, energy, and consumer products across the U.S. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
5. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 15, 2025, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Daiichi Sankyo revealed that the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to raludotatug deruxtecan for platinum-resistant ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancers expressing CDH6 after bevacizumab treatment.
The designation is based on data from a phase 1 trial and the ongoing REJOICE-Ovarian01 phase 2/3 study and is intended to accelerate development and review for patients with significant unmet needs. The drug’s impact is significant, as 65% of ovarian cancer patients expressed CDH6 and up to 80% experienced relapse after standard therapies. With the FDA’s recognition, the milestone marks the first breakthrough designation for raludotatug deruxtecan and the second for the Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)-Daiichi Sankyo oncology collaboration launched in October 2023.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), a global healthcare company, develops pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and animal health products. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
4. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 93
With significant hedge fund interest, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) announced on September 4, 2025, that it has completed the $5.5 billion acquisition of GMS Inc. through its specialty trade distribution arms, SRS Distribution. This move, which was first announced in June, strengthens the subsidiary’s position as a multi-category building materials distributor by adding GMS’s expertise in drywall, ceilings, and steel framing.
The company’s management stated that the acquisition expands The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)’s ability to serve professional contractors (Pros) across all project types, unlocking cross-selling opportunities and enhancing fulfillment options. The tender offer closed on September 3, with nearly 80% of GMS shares. This paves the way for its integration as a wholly owned Home Depot subsidiary.
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD), the world’s largest home improvement retailer, offers building materials, decor, installation services, and professional solutions through stores, digital platforms, and specialty distribution subsidiaries. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
3. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 95
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
On September 15, 2025, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) announced the European launch of its Shockwave Javelin Peripheral IVL Catheter, which is a groundbreaking platform to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD).
The Forward IVL System, which features a single distal emitter placed behind the catheter tip, addresses “device-uncrossable” calcified lesions below the knee-one of the most difficult challenges in PAD treatment. Furthermore, clinical results from the FORWARD PADE IDE trial reassured the catheter’s safety and effectiveness. The results also matched legacy Shockwave IVL devices while offering improved lesion access. This innovation strengthens Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)’s position in intravascular lithotripsy and expands treatment options for patients facing life-altering risks, as PAD and chronic limb-threatening ischemia impact millions globally.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), a global healthcare company, innovates in medicines and medtech to prevent, treat, and cure complex diseases with smarter, less invasive, and personalized solutions for patients globally. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
2. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 115
With significant hedge fund interest, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) highlighted its financial discipline and long-term growth strategy by making two developmental announcements on September 12, 2025. The company announced that it will redeem all $2.35 billion of its Floating Rate Senior Notes due September 2026 on September 22, 2025, under its $65 billion Euro Medium-Term Note Program. The company will exercise redemption at $1,174 per $1,174 Calculation Amount plus accrued interest, following which the notes will be delisted from the FCA and London Stock Exchange.
On the same day, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) strengthened its leadership bench, appointing Dean Athanasia and Jim DeMare as Co-Presidents. At the same time, the company reaffirmed Alastair Borthwick in his role as CFO, reinforcing CEO Brian Moynihan’s Responsible Growth vision.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), a global financial institution, provides banking, investment, wealth management, and risk management services to individuals, businesses, and governments across the U.S. and over 35 countries. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
1. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 159
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) announced on September 15, 2025, that its Director Charles D. Baker sold 27 shares of common stock on September 11 at $356.05 per share, totaling $9,613. Following the sale, the director retains 1,248 shares directly, but no longer holds shares through a trust.
This sale comes at a time when UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) prepares to distribute a $2.21 per share cash dividend, authorized on August 13, 2025, payable September 23 to shareholders of record as of September 15. Having delivered dividends for 33 consecutive years, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) continues to demonstrate shareholder value consistency, while insider activity signals active portfolio adjustments.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), a diversified healthcare company, offers insurance, pharmacy, data, and care delivery services globally. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy.
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