Have you ever watched the stock market swing wildly from one day to the next and wondered what the smart money is actually doing in moments like these? Just this week, as equities staged an impressive comeback, one name kept popping up in conversations among serious investors: Stephanie Link. She’s not just talking the talk; she’s putting her money where her mouth is, highlighting a few select opportunities amid the noise.
Markets can feel chaotic, especially when geopolitical headlines shift overnight. But that’s precisely when seasoned strategists spot value. Link, serving as chief investment strategist at a major advisory firm, shared her current favorites on a popular financial program. Her choices aren’t chasing the hottest trends—they’re rooted in fundamentals, valuations, and forward-looking catalysts. Let’s dive into what she’s buying and why it might matter for anyone looking to navigate 2026’s unpredictable landscape.
Stephanie Link’s Key Investing Moves in a Rebounding Market
The broad market indexes jumped significantly to kick off the week, erasing some recent losses in dramatic fashion. This kind of sharp reversal often highlights pockets of opportunity that were overlooked during the sell-off. Link pointed to three specific areas that caught her eye, each with its own compelling story. I have to say, her reasoning feels grounded rather than hype-driven, which is refreshing in today’s environment.
Why Truist Financial Stands Out as a Compelling Bank Play
Regional banks have had a rough go recently, with the sector posting notable declines this year. Yet Link is doubling down on one in particular: Truist Financial. She described it as a name doing some really solid work under its current leadership.
One thing that jumps out is the company’s profitability targets—aiming for meaningful growth in the coming years. Management seems focused on execution, and that’s something I always look for when evaluating financial stocks. When a bank trades below book value, history suggests it’s often a decent entry point. Truist fits that bill right now, hovering around 0.9 times book. Add in the potential for a more favorable regulatory environment, and you can see why buybacks and dividends could accelerate.
Banks trading under book value have historically presented attractive buying opportunities for patient investors.
Investment strategist insight
The dividend yield is attractive too, sitting at a level that provides solid income while waiting for capital appreciation. Of course, nothing is guaranteed in banking—credit risks, interest rate moves, all play a part. But Link’s confidence here feels earned, based on the turnaround efforts she’s observing. In my view, if deregulation does take hold as expected, regional players like this could see outsized benefits compared to the mega-banks that already dominate headlines.
- Trading at a discount to book value
- Ambitious profitability growth targets
- Potential for increased shareholder returns via buybacks and dividends
- Positioned to benefit from a lighter regulatory environment
It’s not often you find a financial stock offering both income and upside potential in one package. That’s what makes this pick stand out in the current environment. I’ve seen similar setups work well in past cycles, though timing is everything.
Las Vegas Sands: Betting on Asia’s Recovery Despite Headwinds
Moving away from traditional banking, Link highlighted a casino operator with significant exposure to international markets. Las Vegas Sands derives a large portion of its revenue from Macau and Singapore, areas that have shown resilience even amid broader concerns.
Admittedly, there are risks on the horizon—potential legislation around certain betting markets could create ripples across the gaming sector. Link acknowledged that, yet she remains committed to the name. Why? Because the core business appears strong. When a company is “humming” in its primary regions, as she put it, temporary overhangs can create mispricing.
The stock has underperformed year-to-date, which might deter some investors. But for those with a longer horizon, this could be a classic case of buying when others are fearful. Asia’s middle class continues to grow, travel is rebounding, and high-end gaming demand tends to be sticky. I’ve always believed that quality operators in cyclical industries can deliver strong returns once sentiment turns.
Despite potential regulatory noise, the fundamentals in key markets remain robust for leading casino operators.
It’s a bold call, no doubt. But if consumer spending in Asia holds up, this could be one of those picks that looks obvious in hindsight. Diversification away from pure U.S. exposure is another subtle benefit here.
The iShares MSCI Brazil ETF: Tapping Into AI Power Demand and Emerging Growth
Perhaps the most intriguing of Link’s mentions is her position in the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (commonly known as EWZ). This isn’t just a commodity bet—though resources play a role. Brazil is positioning itself as a key player in the global energy story, particularly as AI data centers drive massive power needs.
The country boasts abundant natural resources, including hydroelectric capacity and growing renewable integration. Couple that with a fintech scene that’s expanding rapidly, and you have a nation that’s more dynamic than many give it credit for. Link pointed out that while people often see Brazil as purely commodity-driven, the power theme ties directly into the AI infrastructure boom we’ve been tracking for years.
- Brazil’s vast energy resources position it well for data center growth
- Fintech sector development adds modern economic drivers
- Sounder fiscal and monetary policies support stability
- ETF structure provides diversified exposure without single-stock risk
This pick feels forward-thinking. AI isn’t just about chips and software—it’s about the electricity to run it all. Countries with surplus power or the ability to scale generation stand to benefit enormously. In my experience following emerging markets, these kinds of thematic tailwinds can lead to multi-year outperformance when they materialize.
Of course, emerging markets carry volatility—currency fluctuations, political risks, commodity price swings. But at a time when many investors are heavily concentrated in U.S. tech, a measured allocation to something like this could provide meaningful diversification and upside. The ETF’s performance so far this year shows the potential when conditions align.
Broader Market Context and What It Means for Investors
Stepping back, the market’s recent action underscores a timeless truth: fear and greed drive prices in the short term, but fundamentals win over time. Geopolitical developments can spark rallies or sell-offs, but the underlying earnings power and valuation discipline separate winners from losers.
Link’s selections reflect a balanced approach—mixing domestic value (banking), international cyclical (gaming), and thematic emerging growth (Brazil/AI power). It’s not about chasing momentum; it’s about finding asymmetry where risk/reward skews favorably.
I’ve found that the best opportunities often emerge when sentiment is sour. Whether it’s a bank trading below book or an emerging market tied to a secular trend, patience and conviction matter. Of course, no one has a crystal ball. Diversification, risk management, and a long-term perspective remain essential.
As we move deeper into 2026, keep an eye on interest rates, regulatory shifts, and global energy demand. These factors will likely influence how these positions play out. In the meantime, it’s worth considering whether your own portfolio has exposure to similar themes—or if it’s time to make adjustments.
What do you think about these picks? Have you been eyeing any of these areas yourself? The market rarely moves in straight lines, but identifying quality at reasonable prices tends to serve investors well over time. Something to ponder as the week unfolds.
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