The stock market came into May 2026 with serious momentum after posting its strongest monthly gain since November 2020, climbing over 10% in April.
That kind of move naturally raises the question investors always ask this time of year: does the rally continue, or does the “sell in May” pattern return?
In a recent breakdown, analyst Mark Roussin, who has over 152,000 subscribers, laid out five stocks he believes still offer value at current levels. His picks span growth, commodities, cybersecurity, income, and even space, focusing on positioning for what comes next, not what has already played out.
What you'll learn 👉
The 5 Stocks Mark Roussin Is Buying Right Now
Roussin starts with Spotify, a name that has gone through a major reset. Shares have dropped over 25% as concerns around AI-generated music gained attention, though the business itself is improving. The company has moved into profitability, margins are expanding, and both premium and ad-supported users continue to grow.
Earnings are projected to increase around 22% annually, with valuation now near 29.7x, far below past levels of 40x to 70x. Analysts are targeting around $600 over the next 12 months, pointing to over 35% upside from current levels.
Next is Freeport-McMoRan, a direct play on copper demand tied to AI infrastructure and electrification. The stock is up 55% over the past year but pulled back about 20% following earnings tied to production issues in Indonesia.
Copper trades near $6 per pound, above the company’s internal assumptions of $5, which implies stronger future cash flow if prices hold. Earnings are expected to grow over 40% across the next two years, making the valuation around 22x look reasonable.
The third pick is Zscaler, a cybersecurity company that has dropped nearly 40% over the past year, with most of the decline coming in 2026. Roussin sees this as a mispricing driven by fear around AI replacing security tools.
In reality, enterprise demand for zero-trust architecture remains intact. Some analysts think the price could go up over 60%. Their twelve month target is near $228. They base that on strong demand for cloud security that should last a long time.
For people who want income and less drama, he points to VICI Properties. That is a REIT that owns casino real estate. The stock is down almost 10% over the last year. But the business itself is fine. The company pulled in over $3 billion in funds from operations. It trades at about 9.7 times FFO.
Its own history is 11.6 times, so it looks cheap compared to where it normally trades. Investors also get a 6.2% yield with consistent dividend growth, making it attractive in a higher-rate environment.
The final idea is Rocket Lab, though this one comes with a twist. The stock has already climbed nearly 80% since being mentioned in earlier analysis and now trades around $79, down from highs near $100.
Instead of buying outright, Roussin prefers selling a $60 put expiring June 18, 2026, which could generate about $240 per contract. This strategy allows entry at a lower level while earning income during the wait.
What’s Driving Stock Prices in May 2026
The whole market matters as much as any single stock. Interest rates are a big deal. As of early May 2026, the Federal Reserve keeps the federal funds rate between 3.50% and 3.75%. Inflation still has not come down to the 2% goal. That puts pressure on prices, especially for growth stocks. A lot of people thought the Fed would cut rates fast and hard. Now they see the path is slower. So they have to adjust.
Earnings continue to carry the market, though the focus has changed. It’s no longer enough for companies to talk about AI. Investors are looking for actual margin improvement and productivity gains. Businesses that can show real results are outperforming, while those with heavy spending and delayed returns are being repriced.
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Global factors are also in play. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East between US and Iran have raised concerns around energy supply, pushing energy prices over $100. That feeds into inflation and raises operating costs across industries. As a result, capital is rotating toward sectors that can handle cost pressure, including energy, utilities, and defensive names.
Mark Roussin’s picks cover a wide range of opportunities, from beaten-down growth names to income-focused real estate and high-risk space exposure. Each idea is tied to a different theme, which helps balance risk in an uncertain market.
The current environment is defined by higher interest rates, selective AI-driven earnings, and global uncertainty. That mix is creating both pressure and opportunity across sectors.
For investors, the focus remains on positioning for what comes next. These five stocks offer different ways to do that, depending on risk tolerance and investment goals.
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