Stocks to Watch Out For in 2018

The stock market forecast for 2018, does not look the brightest as the world faces political uncertainty and stringent financial regulations which are constantly changing. However, this does not mean there are not some promising stocks that are worth having a look at, if you’re in the business of buying or selling stocks.

Here are the stocks that we have picked to look out for over the course of the year:

Bookings Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG)

Previously known as Priceline Group, this huge online travel company which includes Booking.com, seems to only be going up. Its strength in marketing and as well as investments in several successful ventures such as China Outbound, and Alternative Accommodations.

It seems that the group is now looking to go into the the market of local attractions, further broadening its horizons. The company has also been able to look towards a shift from performance based marketing towards brand based, given the fact that there is hardly anyone unaware of booking.com. RBC Capital analyst, Mark Mahaney, predicts the price target at $2,500, which is far higher than the current consensus of $2,181.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG)

The company has not had the best few years since peaking at $760 near the end of 2015. However, recent scandals in relation to food safety standards have hit the company hard, especially given its branding of “Food with Integrity”.

Its perception by consumers has been hit, with surveys saying its brand image is at the lowest its been. To top this of, UBS downgraded their shares in relation to the perception of the brand. Its new queso was also panned by its customers.

It seems that this company would be a terrible investment but for one aspect. Its CEO, Steve Ells stepped down in November, causing shares to rice 6 percent at the announcement. If the company builds itself up and fixes up certain aspects, its shares can only rise in the future.

Universal Display (NASDAQ:OLED)

Seeing as its shares tripled in value in 2017, it would seem somewhat illogical to think this feat can be repeated in 2018. The organic light emitting diode technology (OLED) behind the project however, is something to truly be optimistic about.

It has continued to be adopted by numerous companies all around the world, including Apple who utilized the tech in its Apple X last year. It is thought that Apple will utilize this technology in even more ways this year, as it continues to expand its technological scope.

Its revenues of the third quarter of last year increased by more than twofold and it has had to expand its operations on a dramatic level to cope with the increased demand for its technology.

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