Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

The U.S. dollar has been in demand since the start of the pandemic, as global uncertainty led investors to seek a safe haven for their assets. That trend has started to unwind a bit: in 2025, the dollar declined 5% on a global, trade-weighted basis, and 6% compared to an index of advanced economy currencies. There are several reasons, including economic uncertainty caused by trade policies, the swelling U.S. federal debt, a recovery in the European economy, and simple value investing. Lately, the downward dollar trend has picked up, linked, we think, to pressure President Trump is putting on the Fed to lower interest rates. Events like this raise the risk that the value of U.S. debt will erode over time, referred to as the "debasement trade." In short, investors have started the process of rethinking their commitment to U.S. assets as the cost of doing business in America increases, the balance sheet groans, and risks rise that the central bank may lose a degree of its independence. Still, we would hesitate to say the dollar is at risk of losing its status as the global currency of choice. Despite the pullback, the dollar is still 14% -- more than one standard deviation -- above its 20-year average value, supported by the depth of a $27 trillion market, not to mention by the Federal Reserve and the country's time-tested political/economic system of democratic capitalism. The alternatives -- the euro, yen, yuan, or a combination basket -- have flaws as well. We view the dollar as one of the main checks and balances to the U.S.'s status as the leader of the global economy. We would be concerned the country could be at risk of losing this status if the greenback were to plunge 20% in a short period of time (as it did when S&P downgraded U.S. debt in 2011). A U.S. dollar at 2011 levels would almost certainly mean higher interest rates, a drag on the economy, and intense pressure on major market indices.

The Portfolio Selector features the Argus Focus List, a group of 30 "best idea" stocks generated and regularly updated by Argus' analysts and investment policy committee. It also includes the director of research’s monthly investment strategy column, stock recommendations and sector picks, economic forecasts, and an asset allocation model. This month, the Focus List additions are Walt Disney Co (The) (DIS); Salesforce Inc (CRM); Expedia Group Inc (EXPE); IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV) and the Focus List deletions are Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD); Corning, Inc. (GLW); Netflix Inc (NFLX); Tapestry Inc (TPR).

This week's list looks at the 20 stocks followed most closely by Argus clients in 2025. It contains well-known names and, not surprisingly, includes many technology or "technology related" names. One might have easily guessed that Nvidia is in the top spot, but might be surprised to see only three Healthcare companies, only one big box retailer, no big banks, and no Walmart. The list also includes the current Argus rating on each stock, the sector for each stock, and each stock's performance from 2025.