In this article, we will look at the 15 Safe Stocks for Beginners to Buy in 2026.
On June 24, Tom Lee, Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, appeared on CNBC to talk about how the semiconductor selloff is a buying opportunity, earnings growth is supporting higher stocks, and the S&P 500 has upside beyond current targets.
He was of the view that the market is trying to understand the new narrative around the Mag 7, because they went from asset-like companies that produce a lot of cash flow to ones that are more balance sheet intensive, actually funding what will look like a larger balance sheet. He believes that investors are going to start looking at that balance sheet as a workforce. The reason they are spending so much money is to essentially replace human endeavors with AI, and, according to him, that balance sheet is going to be deployed and generate returns. Lee thus thinks that over time, investors are going to start viewing that as a moat. However, he also stated that we are in a transition period of that narrative.
READ ALSO: 10 Trending US Stocks to Buy Now AND 10 Best Low Volatility Stocks to Buy Under $50.
His estimation for the S&P close price is 7700, with him stating that we are in mid-year and at that first bucket that you show there. However, he does believe that there exists a case for upside to exist between now and the year-end. Lee also thinks that earnings estimates just in the first half have pushed up next year’s estimates by almost $50. In the next six months, that could increase again, and he thinks that multiples should, of course, be expanding because there is durability to this level of spending.
With these broader market trends in view, let’s look at the top safe stocks for beginners to buy in 2026.
Our Methodology
We used stock screeners and online sources to identify the best stocks for beginners with solid financials and strong balance sheets. We then selected the top 15 stocks most popular among hedge funds as of Q1 2026, using the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The stocks are arranged in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment.
Note: All data was recorded on June 25.
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 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).
15 Safe Stocks for Beginners to Buy in 2026
15. QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is one of the safe stocks for beginners to buy in 2026. Reuters reported on June 24 that QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) expects to generate $15 billion in sales from its data center business by 2029, moving beyond its core smartphone chips. Chief Financial Officer Akash Palkhiwala stated in an investor presentation that the data center business will bring in $5 billion for fiscal 2027, with $1 billion coming from the new custom-chip customers. QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) also stated that it anticipates $40 billion in revenue from chips outside its smartphone stronghold by 2029, which is up from previous estimates of $22 billion. By then, handsets would only make up a third of its chip revenue.
In another development, Bloomberg reported on June 22 that according to people familiar with the matter, QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is in advanced talks to acquire Modular Inc, the AI infrastructure software company, in a transaction valued at around $4 billion. It further reported that a transaction may be announced as soon as the upcoming week. Bloomberg added that the people asked not to be identified since the information is private.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) develops and commercializes foundational technologies for the wireless industry, including 3G, 4G, and 5G wireless connectivity and high-performance and low-power computing, including on-device AI. The company operates across various high-growth markets, including autonomous vehicles and smartphones. QUALCOMM’s Snapdragon augmented reality technology is the next generation of mobile computing.
14. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 119
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is one of the safe stocks for beginners to buy in 2026. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and Omnicom announced on June 23 a new collaboration between Omnicom Media and Disney Advertising to implement a connected TV ad solution enabling dynamic sequential storytelling across both video on demand and live programming. The two plan to announce the partnership at Cannes Lions today. The collaboration is already live in the United States and is set to expand to Europe and Latin America later this year. The solution brings together Disney’s identity graph, Acxiom’s identity capabilities, Omni’s measurement platform, and Innovid’s creative sequencing technology to “replace repetitive streaming ads with dynamic, personalized storytelling”.
In a separate development, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and Royal Philips announced on May 28 the incorporation of beloved Disney animated characters and stories directly into Philips Ambient Experience for MRI at medical facilities in 87 countries across the globe to support children undergoing imaging procedures. Management stated that the immersive environment can help children by diverting attention from the clinical setting, creating a more engaging and comforting experience during scans, and helping more children complete their exams successfully.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) operates an international family entertainment and media enterprise. The company owns and operates television and radio production, distribution, and broadcasting stations, amusement parks, direct-to-consumer services, and hotels. Its operations are divided into the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
