Our Equity Top Pick List
Related content
After 26 years, the Italian stock market hit a new high
When looking at the ranking of the best-performing stock indices globally so far this year, it’s easy at first glance to overlook the Italian stock market, even though the FTSE MIB index has been gradually climbing higher over the past three years and, at the end of May this year, hit a new all-time high for the first time in about twenty-six years. The financial sector carries significant weight in the index; however, the top three best-performing components so far this year are not bank stocks, but rather the shares of a technology company, an energy company, and an industrial firm.
Europe's industrial sector is experiencing a surge in momentum
The rotation away from the U.S. technology sector is becoming increasingly pronounced, with Europe benefiting regionally and cyclical exposures—particularly the industrial segment—benefiting sectorally. Normalizing energy prices, improving growth prospects, a manufacturing sector that appears stronger than in previous periods, and German fiscal stimulus measures are all benefiting European industrial companies, and the iShares STOXX Europe 600 Industrial Goods & Services ETF (EXH4), which tracks these companies, reached a new all-time high yesterday, which we believe presents a favorable trading opportunity.
Our latest Investment Strategy recommends an overall neutral exposure to the equity asset class over the next 6-12 months. We believe this should be taken into account when making investment decisions in individual equities (the timing of investments or the size of positions).
The list includes those stocks, typically US and European ones, that we consider to be proper investment choices from a fundamental point of view. At the sector level, we examine the relative position of each stock on the basis of indicators (like valuation, profit growth prospects, indebtedness, quality), and then, after an individual analysis of the best performers, we select the companies we consider most attractive from a risk/return perspective.
Given the fundamental selection process, the stocks on the list should be treated as longer-term investment opportunities, but are reviewed on a quarterly basis to check whether the stock is on track with our original expectations or whether there is a sector peer with a better risk/return profile. The list can provide a starting point for building a sector-diversified equity exposure in portfolios, but can also be used as a watch list. In the latter case, the technical analysis methodology should be used to time/determine the specific investment decision. This is the purpose of our Trading Ideas report, which will also provide a specific trading strategy for the stocks on the list, if indicated.
Get more out of your investments!
Global Markets Services
OTP Global Markets offers a broad range of services in the field of local and international money and capital markets.
Read morePrivate Banking Services
Personal care and expertise with OTP Private Banking, along with the knowledge, security, and innovations of a multinational banking group.
Read more