BTIG Research’s top stock picks for the new year include Nike and Block . As 2026 kicks off, BTIG’s chief market technician Jonathan Krinsky predicts that while large- and small-cap stocks will both rise next year, small-cap companies will outperform their larger counterparts. This scenario requires economic data to continue to remain firm, but not so strong that interest rate cuts get completely taken out of the equation. “On the S & P 500 side, it all comes down to the tech/AI trade,” Krinsky said. “We continue to think a shift in leadership is happening, and a relative breakdown would be further confirmation of that.” In the same note, the firm shared its highest conviction ideas for 2026. Highlighted below are a few names from the list: One stock that made the cut was athletic apparel retailer Nike. Shares have slumped 14% in the last 12 months. BTIG’s price target of $100 offers upside of approximately 57% from where the stock closed on Wednesday. The firm named Nike one of its top large-cap stock picks for 2026. “While there is clearly still much work ahead for Nike, Inc., we believe 2026 will show solid progress on its recovery,” wrote analyst Robert Drbul. “We see ample catalysts within Nike’s product pipeline, aided by a continued focus on innovation, alongside a full ‘9 -box’ running lineup, a refreshed approach to basketball, plus global football (soccer!) momentum tied to the upcoming 2026 World Cup.” Shares of Nike rose earlier this week after insiders including Nike CEO Elliott Hill and Apple CEO and board member Tim Cook made purchases of the stock. Another name on the list was fintech stock Block, down 26% in the last 12 months. However, BTIG’s price target of $90 corresponds to an upside of 38%. “We see XYZ as the most compelling large-cap stock within our coverage based on its profitable mid-teens growth driven by Cash App and Square’s deeper penetrations with existing customers while at the same time adding new ones,” wrote analyst Andrew Harte. Sports betting stock DraftKings was another name on the list. While shares have slipped 2% in the last year, BTIG’s $45 price target suggests shares could rise 31% from here. “Looking ahead, we believe current pacing toward a healthier 4Q25 outcome vs. consensus creates an already better setup going into 2026 against tempered investor expectations for 2026 guidance,” wrote analyst Clark Lampen.
