In this article, we will discuss the Conservative Stock Portfolio: 7 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now.
On March 24, Reuters reported that Barclays raised its 2026 year-end S&P 500 target on the heels of robust corporate earnings, thanks to the broader technology sector and resilience in economic growth. These factors are likely to mitigate the increased macro risks, such as Middle East tensions, uncertainty around AI, and worries across the private credit markets. Notably, Barclays expects the index to reach 7,650 from 7,400, representing ~16.2% upside from 6,581.00.
Elevated oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on the risk assets, leading investors to stay away from equities. Ever since the war started, the S&P 500 index declined by ~4.3%, noted Reuters.
Reuters, while quoting the Barclays strategists, reported that related to other major economies, the US is providing better nominal growth. Notably, Barclays raised its S&P 500 estimates for EPS for 2026 to $321 from $305. This upgrade comes off the back of a stronger earnings base instead of a valuation re-rating.
Amidst such trends, we will now have a look at the Conservative Stock Portfolio: 7 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Our Methodology
For the Conservative Stock Portfolio: 7 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now, we considered stocks from conservative industries as these industries tend to mitigate uncertainties. Next, we chose the ones popular among hedge funds, as of Q4 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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
Conservative Stock Portfolio: 7 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now
7. Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR)
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) is one of the Best Conservative Stocks to Buy Right Now. On March 17, analyst Neil Kalton of Wells Fargo maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock, with a price objective of $119.00. The rating is backed by the factors that hint at durable earnings growth and undervaluation.
The analyst noted the views of management that new energy service agreements, along with combined-cycle gas generation projects, and expected long-term regulated nuclear investments can result in incremental EPS over time. All this can take place with Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) being on its existing growth path.
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) is also well-placed to benefit from increased data center and hyperscaler power demand, added Kalton. The analyst believes that the company’s participation in emerging nuclear consortia, as well as projects backed by hyperscalers, helps the growth story. Notably, the flexibility on CCGT (combined-cycle gas turbine plants) timing and agreements is also expected to provide support.
Entergy Corp. (NYSE:ETR) happens to be a major energy producer and distributor.
6. American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is one of the Best Conservative Stocks to Buy Right Now. On March 20, the U.S. Department of Energy, SB Energy, and AEP Ohio made an announcement about planned multi-billion-dollar investments focused on advanced digital and energy infrastructure. This is expected to help data center growth and fuel development in Appalachian Ohio. To provide a brief context, AEP Ohio is the unit of American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP).
On approval, the investments are expected to consist of new 765-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission infrastructure. While SB Energy will pay for the $4.2 billion in new transmission investments, helping avoid increases to transmission rates for the Ohio residents, AEP Ohio anticipates power to start being delivered to site in 2029. Thanks to the data centers, Ohio continues to see rapid demand growth in electricity across the nation.
While the initial transmission line route planning remains in progress, AEP Ohio has been preparing to interact with community members and landowners.
American Electric Power Company Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) operates as a massive, vertically integrated utility holding company.
While we acknowledge the potential of AEP 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 AEP and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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