Trades that dominated 2026 so far, according to BofA
BofA Global Research named “the best trades of the year.”Among the top ideas were "long oil" and “short crypto.” Crude oil futures increased 55.3% year-to-date, while Brent increased 58.6% YTD. Meanwhile, Bitcoin , the most popular cryptocurrency, declined 22.8% so far this year.In addition, BofA named "long energy" and ”short discretionary” as a trade that dominated 2026.“Long energy-short discretionary.” Energy , , , rose more than 40% this year along with higher oil prices and intensified geopolitical conflict. Persistent inflation, on the other hand, crushed consumer discretionary names , , , as the XLY ETF only advanced 0.1% YTD.Furthermore, BofA analysts said, “long semis-short telecom.” Semiconductors , , , , had, so far, a very tumultuous 2026 but have advanced more than 33% so far this year. Telecom , have not done too badly but have only added 14.8% YTD.Then, “long small-cap value” and “short mega cap growth.” Small-cap value stocks have advanced 15.8% year-to-date. In contrast, mega-cap growth companies have only added 3.3%.Moreover, BofA analysts named “long Taiwan” as a trade better than “long China.” Taiwanese stocks have jumped 50.9% year-to-date, and Chinese stocks are actually down 12.8% YTD.Lastly, a top trade this year has been “long cyber stocks” and “short defense.” Cybersecurity , , , has increased more than 30%, while aerospace and defense , , has declined 0.7% so far this year. Content provided by Seeking Alpha is intended for information purposes only, and that Seeking Alpha does not offer any personalist investment advice and is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, US investment adviser or investment bank.