Hot or Not, Stock Market Edition: 01/01/2026

Happy new year! Here’s what’s hot and what’s not so far in 2026: 

• Hot: GSK PLC (GSK) gains momentum; Cigna Group (CI) gets upgraded to Buy
• Not: Conagra Brands (CAG) downgraded to Sell; Realty Income Corp (O) slides

P.S. Speaking of hot, have you checked out these 3 excellent large-cap stocks?

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🔥 HOT: The stock is only up modestly over recent weeks, but healthcare giant Cigna Group (CI) just earned an upgrade from Hold to Buy on our Zen Rating system — a signal that the data is turning more favorable. Volume has picked up 30% recently, and the stock is holding above most of its moving averages despite a choppy year. Cigna's value proposition is compelling: it's cheap relative to peers and holds the top spot in its industry. Recent news offers a mixed picture — one major fund sold its position, but positive commentary on Cigna's debt management has boosted confidence. CI also scores a B (Buy) in our Zen Rating, landing in the 87th percentile of stocks we track. Looking at the Component Grades, it has an exceptional A grade for Value (98.7th percentile), though it has average marks elsewhere. However, the upgrade to Buy reflects improving momentum and strong valuation metrics. The bottom line? While growth isn't explosive, the stock offers a solid risk-reward profile for patient investors willing to ride out healthcare sector turbulence.

🥶 NOT: Conagra Brands (CAG) is down over 35% in the past year — a surefire indication the packaged food company is stuck in a slump. Conagra is facing a perfect storm: shifting consumer preferences, operational challenges, and an industry under siege from wellness trends. News flow has been mixed at best — while there's some optimism around UK market opportunities, weaker sales volumes are evident, and the specter of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 medications threatens demand for traditional packaged foods. Its recent downgrade from Hold to Sell on our Zen Rating system further reflects worsening fundamentals. So yes, CAG earns a D (Sell) rating, ranking in the lowly 16.9th percentile of the 4600+ stocks we track. It also only merely ranks #43 out of 47 stocks in the Food industry. The Component Grade breakdown is grim: D grades for Growth, Momentum, and Sentiment, a C in Value and Financials, and only a B for Safety offering a glimmer of hope. The bottom line? The downgrade to Sell reflects the reality that better opportunities exist elsewhere. This one's a pass for now. 

🔥 HOT: UK pharma giant GSK (GSK) is having a quiet but steady rally. Recent news has been relatively neutral, with industry-wide pricing pressures and M&A activity among competitors like Sanofi and Amgen making headlines; however, GSK’s volume has recently climbed, and the 

stock continues trending above its key moving averages — a sign that momentum is building. Further indicating strength: GSK earns an A (Buy) rating from our Zen Ratings, ranking in the 99.5th percentile of the 4600+ stocks we track. The company also holds the #1 spot in the General Drug Manufacturer industry out of 19 peers. Its Component Grades are solid across the board: B grades for Value, Growth, Momentum, Sentiment, Safety, and AI, with a C in Financials. With a rock-solid Zen Rating and top-tier industry positioning, GSK appears to be catching a fresh wave of investor interest. The pharma sector can be volatile, but GSK's diversified portfolio and steady execution make it attractive for those hunting quality at a reasonable price.  

🥶 NOT: Known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," retail REIT Realty Income Corp (O) could be on a rocky road in 2026. News has been oddly mixed — bullish pieces tout the dividend and potential Fed rate cut tailwinds, while the downgrade and weak industry ranking suggest underlying concerns. With retail REITs facing headwinds from e-commerce disruption and economic uncertainty, the dividend superstar isn't looking so dependable. Despite its 5.7% yield attracting income-seekers, the stock was just downgraded from Hold to Sell on our Zen Rating system, signaling deteriorating fundamentals beneath the surface. O lands in the 18th percentile of stocks we track, only ranking #21 out of 27 stocks in the Retail REIT industry — a low ranking in an F-rated industry. Component scores are mediocre across the board: C grades for Value, Growth, Momentum, Safety, and Financials, a D for Sentiment, with only AI (B) standing out. Yes, the yield is tempting, but it doesn’t compensate for poor positioning and a D-rated Zen Score. The downgrade to Sell is a red flag that this dividend darling may be losing its luster.  

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