March 14, 2021

The Zen Ten Letter

Every December I publish a list of stocks that I believe will outperform the market over the next year. I don't change the list except for mergers or takeovers. 

In case you missed it, here are my top stock picks for 2021. They're off to a fast start this year, up 21.5% vs. 5.0% for the S&P 500.

3-12-21 factor performance

The best performing name - by far - is VIAC, ViacomCBS. After a very long stretch near the bottom of the performance ranks, VIAC finally figured out a way to reinvent itself and has rocketed higher on a year-to-date basis - up 154.8%.

Can this parabolic rise continue for the rest of 2021? Who knows. But it has found its groove and I expect more good news as the year unfolds. I also expect corrections along the way.

I'm gratified that the Zen Ten is off to a good start this year, but we can't assume that this outperformance will continue at this pace. We can assume that these are solid stocks with above-average potential. 

VIAC chart 3-12-21

2021 YTD performance of all our model portfolios

3-12-21 factor model perf

As of March 12, 10 of our 13 Factor-based models are ahead of their benchmarks. Smart Contrarian, a deep-value model, is the current leader - up 24.4% YTD and edging out the Zen Ten for the top spot. 

If you would like to learn more about the Smart portfolios, visit our sister website at stockmarketwhisperer.com

  

The 10 year performance of all our model portfolios

10 yr performance

Over the last ten years, all 13 of our model portfolios are ahead of the S&P 500. These are real portfolios, with real client money invested. There is no backtesting involved here. I also invest in them so I have skin in the game too.

Stay tuned for further updates as the year unfolds. I won't publish updates every week, but I will let you know when something meaningful happens in the market, or in these ten stocks.

(Note: all of these portfolio models are available by subscription with the exception of the Zen Ten which is free to all.) 

You can see all the plans and pricing here.

About the author 

Erik Conley

Former head of equity trading, Northern Trust Bank, Chicago. Teacher, trainer, mentor, market historian, and perpetual student of all things related to the stock market and excellence in investing.

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