In this article, we will be looking at the 8 Best Large Cap Stocks to Invest In Right Now.
On April 17, Reuters reported that systematic hedge funds have bought stocks at a record pace over the past five trading sessions. According to a Goldman Sachs note published late Thursday and seen by Reuters, these funds added about $86 billion in stock exposure during this period.
Systematic hedge funds use algorithms to follow market trends rather than focusing on the economic fundamentals of the company stocks they trade. They typically use market signals to guide their trading and continue investing as long as trends stay strong.
Goldman Sachs data showed that the five-day period recorded one of the largest waves of demand in history from Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), a group of hedge funds known for riding market trends.
Since the market rebounded at the beginning of April, hedge funds, especially systematic hedge funds, have been active buyers of equities, betting that asset prices will continue to rise. Goldman Sachs estimates that these investors could keep purchasing stocks and buy another $70 billion over the next five sessions.
With this background in mind, let’s take a look at the 8 best large-cap stocks to invest in right now.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 8 best large-cap stocks to invest in right now, we used the Finviz stock screener to look for stocks with a market capitalization between $10 billion and $200 billion as of April 17, 2026. We sorted our results based on market capitalization and picked the top 30 stocks. Next, we focused on the top 8 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkey’s Q4 2025 database of 1041 elite hedge funds. Finally, the 8 best large-cap stocks to invest in right now were ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q4 2025.
Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
8 Best Large Cap Stocks to Invest In Right Now
8. AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP)
AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 13, BofA Securities reiterated its Buy rating with a price target of $705 on AppLovin Corporation. The research firm sees AppLovin Corporation as a “show me story” as investors wait for signs of inflection in ecommerce.
Recent data from Northbeam has not shown meaningful Axon wallet-share gains since January, which appears to be holding back investor confidence.
BofA Securities pointed to the May results as the next important catalyst for the stock if the results can show that advertisers from the October cohort are increasing their spending on a per-advertiser basis. This could strengthen confidence in AppLovin Corporation’s e-commerce strategy ahead of the general rollout of its self-serve platform.
Earlier, on April 9, Macquarie initiated coverage of AppLovin Corporation, assigning the stock an Outperform rating and setting the price target at $710. Macquarie analyst Aaron Lee said that the company’s move into e-commerce is “an attractive, multi-year growth opportunity.” The firm sees the total addressable market at $120 billion, with the potential to reach $180 billion by 2030.
Macquarie also pointed out that channel checks suggest AppLovin Corporation has built a solid and competitive advertising solution ahead of its full e-commerce launch in the first half of 2026.
AppLovin Corporation is an American technology company that offers end-to-end software and AI solutions for businesses of all sizes to reach, monetize, and grow their audiences.
7. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)
Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 8, Tigress Financial Partners increased its price target on Booking Holdings Inc. to $260 and kept its Buy rating on the stock.
The research firm pointed to Booking Holdings Inc.’s Q4 and full-year 2025 results as proof of momentum in its AI-powered “Connected Trip” initiative, along with growing opportunities across its platform.
Tigress Financial noted that the company is playing a leading role in the AI-driven global travel renaissance, which is supported by strong demand. The research firm also highlighted expected tailwinds from the upcoming World Cup in the summer, which could further support travel demand. Tigress Financial noted that the company’s investments in AI and operating efficiencies are expected to help accelerate business performance trends.
Additionally, the firm noted that Booking Holdings Inc.’s agentic AI tools and planners are helping build customer loyalty and strengthen its market position. Tigress Financial said the company has a strong presence in the global travel market, which is worth more than $2 trillion.
Booking Holdings Inc. is a leading global travel technology company that provides online travel and related services.
6. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG)
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 13, Mizuho reduced its price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. from $575 to $525 and maintained its Neutral rating on the stock.
The research firm reduced its estimates and price targets for several companies in the medical devices and diagnostics sector ahead of Q1 earnings reports.
Also on April 13, BTIG cut its price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. from $616 to $574 and maintained its Buy rating on the stock as part of a broader review of medical technology companies.
The firm adjusted its models after CMS announced its Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule for the fiscal year 2027, which included preliminary commentary and decisions about new technology add-on payments.
Earlier, on April 6, Evercore ISI lowered its price target on Intuitive Surgical, Inc. from $550 to $480 and maintained its In Line rating on the stock. This change came as part of the firm’s preview of Q1 for the medical technology and life sciences tools sector.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is an American medical device and technology company that designs and manufactures robotic-assisted surgical systems for physicians and hospitals to make surgery less invasive.
5. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 14, Reuters reported that The Walt Disney Company has decided to lay off employees as part of a plan to streamline its operations. The decision was announced by the company’s new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro, in an email to employees.
Around 1,000 jobs will be cut, according to a person familiar with the matter. The layoffs will mainly affect the marketing group, which was reorganized in January, along with other areas like the company’s studio and television business, ESPN, products and technology, and certain corporate functions.
According to the report by Reuters, The Walt Disney Company, like other Hollywood studios, is facing changing economic conditions. This includes a decline in the television business, a shrinking box office, and growing competition in the industry.
In his email to employees, D’Amaro said the company needs to adapt to “the fast-moving pace of our industries.” He said this requires The Walt Disney Company to “constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs.”
The Walt Disney Company is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate that operates through 3 core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences.
4. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO)
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 13, TD Cowen reduced its price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. from $683 to $625 and kept its Buy rating on the stock.
The research firm raised its Q1 EPS estimate from $5.05 to $5.21 to match the company’s guidance. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. expects 1% organic growth for the first quarter. This guidance includes a 1.8% negative impact due to one less day and a planned customer shutdown.
The firm also noted that the company’s management expressed optimism at TD Cowen’s March conference regarding demand trends for Q1 and 2026. TD Cowen pointed out that operating margins in Q1 are expected to fall compared to the same period last year. The research firm added that Q1 will represent the low point for EPS growth.
TD Cowen sees pharma strength and potential preclinical improvement as key factors that will support organic growth acceleration in the second half of the year.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is a leading life science and clinical research company that supplies analytical instruments, clinical development solutions, specialty diagnostics, laboratory, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology services.
3. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 16, Reuters reported that The Boeing Company and its unit Millennium Space Systems are working to increase satellite production capacity and develop a new satellite platform to try and meet a growing backlog of orders.
According to the report, The Boeing Company is looking to deliver 26 satellites in 2026, a significant rise from 11 deliveries in 2025. The company is aiming to benefit from the growing reliance on satellite infrastructure in the defense and internet connectivity sectors.
As part of this effort, The Boeing Company’s Resolute, a new mid-class satellite platform, will handle missions that need “more capability than a traditional small satellite can provide, with greater speed and flexibility than a typical large satellite program.”
The Boeing Company stated that it will be investing in integrating its products with those of Millennium Space Systems to increase production. The report by Reuters noted that space-based technologies, from satellite-enabled communications to surveillance, have already been used in recent conflicts, including US strikes in Venezuela and the US-Israeli war on Iran in 2026.
The Boeing Company is a leading global aerospace company that manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems.
2. Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM)
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 16, Truist Securities reiterated its Buy rating on Salesforce, Inc. with a price target of $280 after the company’s TDX developer conference in San Francisco.
Truist analyst Terry Tillman attended the event and held one-on-one discussions with five customers as well as a subject-matter expert on the Salesforce Flow product. The analyst said that the firm “attended CRM’s TDX developer conference in-person in SF. Below we include highlights from 1:1 convos with 5 customers and a subject-matter expert (SME) on Salesforce Flow product.”
The conversations highlighted suggest that LLM-based agentic coding offerings are not replacing Salesforce, Inc. and its services. Truist also noted that pricing for Agentforce remains an area where the company has received constructive feedback. At the same time, Salesforce Flow, a no-code automation tool that collects data and performs actions within Salesforce or external systems, has generally been well received.
Truist pointed out that potential Agentforce pricing refinement and continued focus on scaling AI agents could reduce buyer friction and help drive faster adoption in 2026.
Salesforce, Inc. is a leading American AI cloud-based software company that specializes in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. The company offers software, tools, services, and applications for sales, customer service, marketing, e-commerce, and analytics.
1. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is one of the best large-cap stocks to invest in right now. On April 17, Citizens reiterated its Market Outperform rating on Uber Technologies, Inc. with a price target of $100 on the stock.
The research firm pointed out that end-to-end models have materially improved the performance of autonomous vehicles (AVs). This is giving AV companies a clear path to move closer to achieving Level 4 (L4) autonomy. Citizens noted that AI has changed how AV models are designed. Better reasoning capabilities are solving edge cases and creating a clearer technical path for vehicles with LiDAR, radar, and camera sensors.
However, Citizens believes that not every company will successfully reach L4 status as financial constraints and execution risks remain key challenges. Additionally, the research firm noted another key issue is solving the “long tail” problem for AVs. However, simulation is helping speed up technical progress in this area.
Citizens noted that this development indicates that Uber Technologies, Inc. has an increasing number of viable partners as it continues to financially and operationally support the autonomous ecosystem. According to a report by the Financial Times, Uber Technologies, Inc. plans to invest around $10 billion in AVs, including about $2.5 billion in equity investments and roughly $7.5 billion for robotaxi fleets.
Uber Technologies, Inc. is a global transportation technology company that focuses on ride-hailing, courier services, food delivery, and freight transport.
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