I asked ChatGPT for its top 5 FTSE 100 stocks to buy for March 2026

Me: “Good morrow, ChatGPT; what are your top 5 FTSE 100 stocks to buy for March 2026 (and why)?”
ChatGPT:

• Information & analytics chief RELX – Rising recurring revenues & diversified world buyer base
• International knowledge & analytics progress inventory Experian – Sturdy natural progress, notably in North America
• International financial institution HSBC – Sturdy capital base & world market breadth
• Pharma large GSK – Aggressive valuation & pipeline progress potential
• Oil main BP (LSE: BP.) – Repositioning after strategic write-downs & power worth tailwinds

In order that’s what the pc chips are saying, however what in regards to the human contact? For my cash, there are two turkeys in that checklist and three with potential, together with one which I suppose is value contemplating in the present day.

Ignoring points

Let’s handle the 2 unhealthy decisions first: RELX and Experian. These two knowledge firms are maybe value taking a look at, however my digital buddy has completely omitted the massive story right here – AI is threatening to eat their lunch!

RELX is down 40% within the final yr and Experian down 35%, largely on the again of worries that their advanced companies may be changed by sufficiently superior fashions of AI. We’re not there but nevertheless, and this might prove to be a terrific time to buy each of them at a low ebb. All the identical, I’m a bit miffed that the problem wasn’t included in ChatGPT’s evaluation.

Two of the opposite stocks within the checklist piqued my curiosity although. After years of overpromising and underdelivering, GSK could lastly have gotten its act collectively. The brand new strategic adjustments (together with extra funding in its drug pipeline) appear to be working wonders with the shares up 57% within the final 12 months. I am bullish on banking in the intervening time too, and HSBC presents an fascinating choice to get publicity to the fast-growing financial system of China.

(*5*)Sturdy case

The ultimate inventory on the checklist is one I consider buyers may need to think about in the present day: oil large BP. The agency has lagged behind its friends within the US and Shell within the UK for years. But with the turnaround on, this might find yourself being an affordable buy.

What are the explanations for optimism? Nicely, a brand new CEO targeted on the profit-making aspect of the enterprise for one factor, the most important oil area discover in 25 years (close to the coast of Brazil) for one other.

Maybe the strongest motive is that our trendy world runs on oil and any shift away is trying like it’s going to take longer than first believed. Warren Buffett and the late Charlie Munger are on document as saying will probably be wanted for one other 200 years at the least.

This does create an moral conundrum too, for those that don’t want to put money into firms that produce polluting merchandise. And there’s the specter of advances in inexperienced know-how coming alongside and denting BP’s revenues too.

Nonetheless, I consider BP is likely one of the attainable FTSE 100 candidates for an enormous turnaround within the years forward.

As for ChatGPT, its options are too patchy for my liking. I’ll keep on doing my very own analysis.