The year 2026 starts with significant cross-asset volatility due to geopolitical risk, monetary uncertainty, and uneven earnings visibility, leading to sharp sector and asset-class rotations. Precious metals like gold and silver are surging, with gold trading above $5,300/oz and silver exceeding $110/oz, marking strong monthly starts since the 1980s.

Gold and silver dramatically outperformed global equities in 2025, with gold rising 65.2% and silver over 150%. Gold-mining equities gained 166.4%, while the FTSE All-World Index advanced only 23.1%. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are behaving as diversification tools rather than safe havens during volatility spikes.

Despite macro stress, 2026 earnings are expected to grow by 29.3% for the Zacks S&P 500 Composite. Capital is shifting towards assets with pricing power, strong balance sheets, or strategic scarcity amid the volatility. Companies are increasing investments in AI, data centers, semiconductors, and cloud infrastructure to maintain competitiveness and drive future growth.

Selective sector allocation is crucial for consistent returns in 2026, with three sectors standing out: AI infrastructure and semiconductors, precious metals and gold-linked equities, and energy and critical materials. AI companies like NVIDIA and Micron Technology are expected to see significant earnings growth, while gold-mining equities and energy companies like NextEra Energy are also projected to perform well.

A curated list of five stocks set to potentially double in value includes disruptive forces with notable growth, bullish signals for buying opportunities, compelling investments, leaders in growing industries, and modern platforms poised for growth. These picks offer a chance to get in on the ground floor and have previously seen significant returns.

Read more at Nasdaq: 2026 Volatility Playbook: NVDA, B, NEM & More in AI, Gold & Power