If I Started Investing in 2026, This is What I Would Do

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If you're new to investing, or feel like you missed the AI growth story already, this one's for you. Today we're laying out a full playbook, six stocks and ETFs to help new investors build a balanced portfolio heading into the rest of 2026.

Joining me is MarketBeat's Jeffrey Neal Johnson to break down why the AI story is far from over, how to think about the risk of a potential correction without panicking, and why chasing last year's winners isn't always the right strategy. We cover AMD as a real challenger to Nvidia, GE Vernova and the power buildout behind AI data centers, Amazon's diversified growth beyond retail, and ExxonMobil's position as a more insulated energy play amid geopolitical volatility.

We also get into two ETFs every new investor should know about, the iShares Aerospace and Defense ETF for diversified exposure to the defense sector, and the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF for steady, foundational, lower-risk growth.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to rebalance your portfolio for the second half of the year, this conversation lays out a clear, practical roadmap.

View Bridget's Buys here: https://www.marketbeat.com/bridget
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro – AI Boom & Investing in 2026
1:29 Is There an AI Bubble?
3:26 Stock #1
9:15 Stock #2
12:36 Stock #3
15:52 Stock #4
19:30 Stock #5
23:20 Stock #6
27:30 Portfolio Allocation Strategy
29:05 Final Thoughts & Investing Playbook

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