Most Searched Stocks Among Financial Advisors Show Tech and Consumer Sectors in Spotlight

Finally, the only energy stock that made the list of the top 20 most searched tickers is Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO). With oil falling to decade lows amid reports of a glut and higher-than-expected US crude inventories, Valero’s stock is performing better than its sector peers involved in the exploration and production. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has appreciated by more than 40%, and is down by some 8% since the beginning of the year. Last week, Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) issued an investor presentation, in which it outlined its outlook. The refiner said, among other things, that it expects the demand to remain strong due to lower oil prices and the company plans to maintain its strong financial position, dividend payouts, and credit rating (see the presentation here).

Valero registered an increase in popularity among the funds we track, with 56 investors reporting long positions as of the end of September, versus 48 funds a quarter earlier. Moreover, these funds amassed around 6.20% of the company’s outstanding stock, holding stakes worth $1.84 billion in aggregate at the end of the third quarter of 2015. Cliff Asness’ AQR Capital Management and David Harding’s Winton Capital Management are among the investors with sizeable positions in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO), holding 6.63 million shares and 1.37 million shares, respectively.

On the next page you can see the full list of the 20 most searched stocks among financial advisors, as well as some data related to the hedge fund sentiment toward them.