Wall Street analysts' long-term stock picks

What happened: Wall Street analysts have been bullish on several stocks across different sectors. McDonald's (MCD) has been a top pick, outperforming peers like Booking Holdings (BKNG) and Starbucks (SBUX). Billionaire Brian Higgins has been loading up on Annaly Capital Management (NLY), while Lam Research (LRCX) has secured a spot among the best memory stocks to buy. Analysts also highlight Woodside Energy (WDS) for its long-term potential, despite mixed sentiment.

Market impact: The focus on long-term stocks suggests a positive outlook for investors with a patient strategy. This narrative is driving interest in specific companies across sectors such as Hotels, Lodging, Restaurants & Travel, Real Estate, and Energy. The bullish sentiment is pushing up prices for these stocks, with MCD up 3.5% YTD, NLY up 15%, LRCX up 20%, and WDS up 10%.

What to watch next: Investors should keep an eye on MCD's earnings release on April 27, 2026, and NLY's on May 5, 2026, for updates on their respective businesses. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt energy prices, making WDS's next update on May 12, 2026, crucial.