Observed Signal · Jul 16, 2026 · Analyst recommendations · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
UBS lists 10 quality stocks outside AI
UBS compiled a list of 40 buy-rated stocks intended to offer diversification away from the market’s dominant artificial‑intelligence theme and highlighted 10 quality, defensive names. The CNBC article notes recent weakness in AI‑related areas — including the Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR), the PHLX Semiconductor index (SOX) and the Roundhill memory ETF (DRAM) — and cites UBS commentary that many high‑quality defensive operators have fallen out of favor despite resilient fundamentals. The piece names specific non‑AI stocks highlighted by UBS such as McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Charles Schwab, S&P Global, Thomson Reuters and SS&C Technologies, and includes market commentary from Dan Alpert of Westwood Capital on buying downside protection and short‑term Treasury opportunities.
UBS's buy-rated list signals a defensive rotation away from AI and identifies large-cap non‑AI names; useful for investors but not industry‑shifting for AdTech/MarTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- UBS compiled a list of 40 buy-rated stocks intended to diversify away from AI exposure.
- UBS highlighted 10 quality/defensive stocks; names mentioned include McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Charles Schwab, S&P Global, Thomson Reuters and SS&C Technologies.
- The Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR) was down more than 10% versus a month ago; the PHLX Semiconductor index (SOX) was down around 12%; the Roundhill memory ETF (DRAM) had lost nearly 20%.
- Thomson Reuters rose more than 20% over the past month and SS&C Technologies rose close to 3% over the past month, per the article.
- Dan Alpert, managing partner of Westwood Capital, told CNBC he is buying protection and said two‑year Treasuries/options are inexpensive as a hedge.
Connected Companies & Entities
8 Entities mapped“With that, UBS put together a list of 40 buy-rated stocks this week that they think offer solid diversification away from AI....”
“Most of the companies highlighted by UBS fall into traditional value sectors for the stock market during downturns. These include McDonald’s...”
“These include McDonald’s and PepsiCo., as well as financials represented by brokerage Charles Schwab and financial information company S & P...”
“The list also features some software names, including Thomson Reuters and SS & C Technologies that many analysts think have solid fundamenta...”
“Data also provided by Reuters....”
“Dan Alpert, managing partner of Westwood Capital, told CNBC....”
“© 2026 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company....”
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