15 Best Short-Term Stocks To Invest In for 2024 (2024)

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Investing in stocks is often seen as a long-term strategy, with the common advice being to buy and hold. However, investing in the best short-term stocks can also be profitable. Key strategies include understanding what you’re investing in, conducting thorough research and diversifying your investments across various stocks. Keep reading to learn more.

15 Best Short-Term Stocks To Buy Now

Here are some of the best short-term stocks to consider buying:

• Globe Life Inc. (GL)
• Roblox Corporation (RBLX)
• Amazon (AMZN)
• Cloudflare (NET)
• The Walt Disney Company (DIS)
• Spotify (SPOT)
• Dollar Tree (DLTR)
• Zoom (ZM)
• Las Vegas Sands (LVS)
• Coinbase Global (COIN)
• UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
• Lucid Group (LCID)
• Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA)
• GXO Logistics Inc. (GXO)
• Nextracker (NXT)

Globe Life Inc.

• Price: $79.91
• Market Cap: $7.37 billion
• 3-Month Return: -31.10%

Globe Life (GL) is America’s 17th largest life insurance company by market share as of 2023, selling a range of life insurance products through a network of exclusive agencies and independent agents. The company appears to be undervalued right now, following a sharp decline in April. Global Life has a 12-month price target of $99.75. If analysts are right, that could be a good opportunity to make a quick profit as the stock recovers.

Roblox Corporation

• Price: $35.90
• Market Cap: $22.97 billion
• 3-Month Return: -8.51%

Roblox (RBLX) is an online platform that brings together gamers and developers and has shown impressive growth. Its unique business model, based on user-generated content and a strong community, makes it an attractive short-term investment, especially as online gaming continues to surge in popularity. This could be a good chance to buy the dip — the 12-month price target is $41.09

Amazon

• Price: $184.06
• Market Cap: $1.91 trillion
• 3-Month Return: 5.53%

Investors who buy Amazon (AMZN) now will never see the returns that early investors did, of course, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good choice for the short-term investor. With its expansive e-commerce presence and diversification into other areas like cloud computing, Amazon is positioned well for various market conditions. The 12-month price is target set at $209.08.

Cloudflare

• Price: $77.68
• Market Cap: $26.39 billion
• 3-Month Return: -15.20%

Cloudflare (NET) provides essential internet security and infrastructure services. With the increasing importance of online security and the growth of the digital economy, Cloudflare’s services are in high demand, making it a compelling investment. Shares have fallen sharply in the last few months, but analysts expect share prices to grow 16% in the coming 12 months, which makes NET a good choice for a potentially quick profit.

The Walt Disney Company

• Price: $101.52
• Market Cap: $185.07 billion
• 3-Month Return: -9.32%

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) has long been a staple for value investors, and its diverse entertainment portfolio offers potential for short-term gains. The company’s 12-month price target, $126.29, is indicative of its resilience and adaptability in a changing media landscape.

Spotify Technology S.A.

• Price: $311.22
• Market Cap: $61.95 billion
• 3-Month Return: 22.10%

Spotify (SPOT) is a leader in music streaming, and it continues to expand its user base and explore new revenue streams like podcasts. Its strong market position and ongoing innovations make it an attractive stock for short-term investment.

Dollar Tree

• Price: $108.65
• Market Cap: $23.35 billion
• 3-Month Return: -14.73%

Dollar Tree (DLTR) stands to benefit from current economic conditions, with its low-price model appealing to budget-conscious consumers. The retailer’s competitive position in the discount store market is noteworthy. Its 12-month price target of $141.14 reflects a positive outlook on its business performance, as analysts’ concern over the recent drop in share price is built into the current estimate.

Zoom

• Price: $56.95
• Market Cap: $17.61 billion
• 3-Month Return: -13.66%

Zoom (ZM) cemented its place as the videoconferencing platform of choice during the pandemic, and it now controls over 57% of the market — almost double the market share of Microsoft Teams, Zoom’s only real competitor in 2024. Shares are in a dip right now, but that could be an opportunity for short-term investors. Zoom has beat earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters, and its consensus price target is $70.72.

Las Vegas Sands

• Price: $44.35
• Market Cap: $33.04 billion
• 3-Month Return: -13.09%

Las Vegas Sands (LVS), with its global casino operations, is well-poised for growth. The gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the rise in legalized sports betting in the U.S. resulted in solid gains post-pandemic. Analysts have set a positive 12-month price target of $62.22, underscoring confidence in its growth.

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Coinbase Global, Inc.

• Price: $245.10
• Market Cap: $60.19 billion
• 3-Month Return: 1.13%

As a leading cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase’s stock (COIN) is a direct way to gain exposure to the crypto market without buying cryptocurrencies themselves. With the increasing popularity of digital currencies and blockchain technology, Coinbase is well-positioned for short-term growth. However, investors should be aware of the volatility associated with the crypto market.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

• Price: $489.23
• Market Cap: $450.28 billion
• 3-Month Return: -0.32%

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), a leader in the healthcare sector, is considered a defensive stock, often performing well irrespective of economic conditions. Its broad range of healthcare services and consistent performance make it a stable choice for investors, as reflected in its favorable 12-month price target of $575.92.

Lucid Group Inc.

• Price: $2.61
• Market Cap: $6.02 billion
• 3-Month Return: -3.33%

Lucid Group (LCID), known for its electric vehicles, has been gaining attention in the market. While it’s a newer player in the EV industry, its innovative technology and expanding production capabilities make it a promising short-term investment despite the rocky market for EVs. However, this is one of the riskier picks. Lucid’s 12-month price target is $3.01, which is 18% higher than its current price, but analysts are bearish.

Ulta Beauty Inc.

• Price: $389.15
• Market Cap: 18.59 billion
• 3-Month Return: -27.39%

Ulta (ULTA) is a market leader among beauty, cosmetics and fragrance retailers, which gives it an edge even at a time when consumers are slower to spend on luxury products. The stock recently fell in what some say was a price normalization. Normal or not, analysts expect growth in the coming year. Ulta’s 12-month price target is $484.29.

GXO Logistics, Inc.

• Price: $47.92
• Market Cap: $5.72 billion
• 3-Month Return: -3.17%

The pandemic revealed supply-chain vulnerabilities that resulted in shortages affecting everything from toilet paper to computer chips. As an outsourcing partner for blue-chip companies, GXO Logistics (GXO) provides custom supply chain management solutions for e-commerce, retail and industry. The company has outperformed analysts’ predictions in each of the last four quarters, and they expect it to continue to shine. GXO’s price target is $69.29.

Nextracker, Inc.

• Price: $57.84
• Market Cap: $8.39 billion
• 3-Month Return: -2.77%

Nextracker (NXT) is a solar company, but it doesn’t manufacture panels. Rather, it provides solar trackers and monitoring and control software. Its products are self-powered, compatible with challenging terrains and resilient to weather. As utility companies transition to cleaner energy, companies like Nextracker are likely to benefit. Nextracker has a 12-month price target of $61.96.

Is It Smart To Invest Short-Term?

Investing in short-term stocks can be a good idea if you want to take advantage of a rising market without locking your funds into a long-term stock.

However, you may be better off with a different type of investment if you want to keep your funds relatively liquid. Look into a CD or high-yield savings account for high-interest rates without the volatility that comes with the stock market.

Are Short-Term Stocks Profitable?

Short-term stocks can be profitable if you time your buy and sell just right. They’re generally not as profitable as long-term investments that have had time to grow, though.

Keep in mind that, whether you invest short- or long-term, the stock market is difficult to predict and there are no guarantees.

Final Take

Short-term stock investing takes discipline, just as long-term investing does. Before you buy, have an exit strategy, whether that is a point in time or a price point, and then stick to it. Be sure to do your due diligence and only invest money you don’t need for expenses.

Karen Doyle and Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.

Data was compiled on June 17, 2024, and is subject to change.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.