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High Beta Stocks (2026)

Stocks with betas greater than 2.0, indicating abnormally large price fluctuations.

Beta is a calculation that measures relative volatility of a stock in relation to a benchmark, typically the S&P 500.

Stocks with high beta are prone to abnormally large price fluctuations.

If a stock moves in the same direction as but twice as much as the S&P 500, it will have a beta of 2.0.

For example, if stock ABC has a high beta of 2.5 and the S&P 500 increases by 1%, stock ABC has historically increased by about 2.5%.

Similarly, if high beta stock XYZ has a beta of 3.25, the stock price has historically moved about 3.25x as much as the S&P 500, both higher and lower.

Both traders and long-term investors can benefit from using the highest beta stocks list.

For traders, stocks with high betas have large price swings which opens up the opportunity for large profits if your entry and exit points are correct.

For long-term investors, many of the largest gainers over the long run are stocks with the highest betas. These stocks can be riskier, and are definitely more volatile than the average, but oftentimes reward the long-term investor for their conviction.

Buying stock with high betas exposes you to more volatility than the overall market. If you can’t handle the large price fluctuations, you may be better off investing in different stocks.

If you own high beta stocks, prepare for the inevitable price swings that can throw off less-experienced investors.