Paul Harris Sees Opportunity in Market Volatility—Here’s What He’s Buying
Paul Harris’ latest stock picks highlight opportunities in digital advertising, healthcare innovation, and financial analytics amid market volatility.

Paul Harris, portfolio manager at Harris Douglas Asset Management, has a clear message for investors—volatility isn’t the enemy, it’s an opportunity. With the U.S. Federal Reserve holding rates steady and 10-year Treasury yields at 4.55%, the market faces headwinds. Add in the S&P 500’s ambitious 22x earnings valuation and a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy, and the landscape appears uncertain.
Yet, Harris isn’t fazed. He sees volatility as a friend, a chance to strengthen positions in proven winners and uncover new gems. His top picks—Alphabet (GOOG), Novo Nordisk (NVO), and MSCI Inc. (MSCI)—reflect a calculated approach to capitalizing on both secular growth and market inefficiencies.
Alphabet (GOOG NASD): A Digital Powerhouse With Room to Run
Alphabet remains a dominant force in online search and digital advertising, boasting a 30% share of U.S. digital ad revenue. With digital advertising spending expected to surpass $400 billion in 2025, Google’s monetization potential continues to expand.
Beyond its core search business, Alphabet’s YouTube platform is a juggernaut, driving significant ad revenue. The company trades at 20x earnings—undervalued compared to the broader market—and is projected to generate an impressive $69 billion in free cash flow this year, all while maintaining a debt-free balance sheet.
For investors, Alphabet’s market positioning, secular tailwinds in digital advertising, and disciplined financial management make it an attractive long-term bet.
Novo Nordisk (NVO NYSE): The Ozempic and Wegovy Boom
Novo Nordisk is at the forefront of a medical revolution. Its blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, are not only transforming diabetes and obesity treatment but are also showing potential in reducing heart disease, stroke, and fatty liver disease.
The numbers are staggering—sales for these treatments are expected to hit $26 billion this year, with projections soaring to $41 billion in 2026. With double-digit revenue and EPS growth, Novo Nordisk’s dominance in diabetes and obesity care is set to continue.
Backed by majority shareholder Novo Holdings A/S, the company enjoys strong institutional support. Investors looking for exposure to the booming weight-loss drug market need look no further.
MSCI Inc. (MSCI NYSE): The Unseen Giant of Global Investing
MSCI is the backbone of modern investing. Providing essential data, indices, and risk analytics, the company operates in an industry with virtually no competition. Its services are indispensable to fund managers, pension funds, and institutional investors.
With gross margins of 82% and operating margins at an impressive 53%, MSCI is a high-margin, high-growth business. Its index business alone plays a key role in portfolio benchmarking and asset allocation, making it a must-have tool for global investment strategies.
In a world increasingly focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics, MSCI’s ESG and climate-focused analytics offer another compelling growth avenue.
Final Thoughts: A Portfolio for the Future
Paul Harris’ top picks reflect a blend of technological dominance, pharmaceutical innovation, and financial infrastructure. Alphabet, Novo Nordisk, and MSCI each hold strong competitive advantages in their respective industries, positioning them well for the volatility ahead.
As the market navigates shifting economic conditions, Harris’ strategy is clear—embrace change, seize opportunity, and invest in companies with a proven track record of resilience and growth.
