The Companies That’ll Be Punished (And Rewarded) Next Year

By Andy Swan

Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).

 

Note from Michael Salvatore, Editor, TradeSmith Daily: Let’s face it: The new year investment predictions buzz is exciting. Everyone loves a good prediction – the bolder, the better.  

But the truth is, predictions are fickle. And if they’re not supported by data, they can easily put a damper on your trading in the new year. 

That’s why this year, we’re bringing back our Anti-Predictions tradition that we began last year. 

All of our analysts’ 2026 predictions won’t come from a hunch, a macro speculation, or anything that can’t be quantified by data. Instead, they will be a smart use of TradeSmith’s tools and systems that rely on cold, hard data. They aren’t predictions – they’re the opposite. But our goal is for them to help you in 2026 all the same.  

Our series continues today with Andy and Landon Swan, cofounders of LikeFolio, with their data-driven forecast for 2026… 

It’s that time again – the start of a new calendar year when the market is abuzz with flashy, headline-grabbing predictions.  

Is the Fed going to cut rates?  

Is the U.S. economy in trouble?  

Is the stock market going to go up or down? 

Will the AI bubble finally pop?  

So my brother Landon and I are doing something a little different, with the help of our marketing VP, Megan Brantley.  We’re not making 2026 predictions based on hunches or macro speculation.  

In true TradeSmith fashion, we’re using cold, hard data to bring you our best calls for the new year – straight from the source that matters most: the consumer.  

In today’s video, you’ll get an inside look at the megatrends we see brewing in our data – and the companies set to capitalize on this shift: 

✅ The DTC Divide: Consumers continue shifting toward direct-to-consumer (DTC) experiences. We’ll dive into the strongest DTC health play in our portfolio. 

✅ AI-Powered Disruption: Demand is strongest for offerings that are streamlined, efficient, personalized, and premium. Check out the AI-native portfolio pick revolutionizing the legacy insurance industry – and the next emerging DTC innovator on our watchlist.  

✅ The Rise of Luxury Companies: Affluent consumers continue to drive demand for aspirational, high-quality luxury brands. We’ll show you two opportunities here – one stock that just joined the portfolio and another gaining serious traction on the consumer side.  

In short, 2026 is shaping up to be a year when legacy industries get disrupted and customers punish companies that don’t innovate. 

👉 Watch now for all the details on these top 2026 predictions and the five stocks positioned for outperformance. 

We hope you have a merry, restful Christmas. Cheers to a profitable 2026! 

Until next time,  

Andy Swan 
Founder, LikeFolio