Looking for best investment theme/sector for 2026? Here is what Lakshmi Iyer and 8 other experts recommend

If you are looking for the best investment theme or sector for 2026? Here is what experts recommend as the best investment option (Source: ETWealth, ETMarkets).

Iyer believes risk-on sentiment is likely to favour risk assets in 2026. She said, 'risk hai toh Ishq hai' - sentiment to favour risk asset classes in 2026

Agrawal backed financials, led by lenders, particularly NBFCs. He also believes that the auto sector will also do well.

The founder of WhiteOak Capital Management believes that there are stockspeciÿc opportunities across the board

Devalkar believes in consumption themes for 2026. He is also positive on Retail, Hospitality, Travel, Autos, Renewables, and Defence.

The founder and CIO of ithought PMS is also positive on the same sectors as others. Sekhar expects the consumption theme to do well.

Gupta, CEO and CIS of OmniScience Capital, is positive on PSU banks. He also said double-digit growth rates are available at a P/E <10.

Bajaj expects consumption, Financials, Healthcare, and Consumer discretionary to do well in 2026. He expects upside in select manufacturing.

“Autos are expected to see strength early in the year, followed by a seasonal pickup in consumer durables. One of the strongest calls for 2026, however, is real estate and a sector that has lagged the broader market despite multiple tailwinds. Finally, the backbone of this cycle will be the financial sector. Banks and NBFCs are expected to play a central role in funding consumption, real estate and capex, with public sector banks standing out despite their strong recent performance,” shared with ETMarkets.

“Shah identified consumer discretionary, cement, and banking and financial services as key sectors for 2026. While banking may face near-term margin pressure, valuations and credit growth could support performance over time. He also sees long-term potential in chemicals, despite short-term volatility," shared with ETMarkets.