Ken Griffin is one of the most influential figures in the world of finance. As the founder and CEO of Citadel, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, Griffin’s investment moves often draw significant attention. His portfolio is a window into the market sectors and stocks that a financial titan believes hold promise for the future.

In this article, we take a close look at the five biggest stock holdings in Ken Griffin’s portfolio, based on the most recent publicly available data as of 2025. These positions not only reflect Griffin’s confidence in these companies but also give us insight into his investment strategy and market outlook.

Who is Ken Griffin?

Before diving into the stocks themselves, it’s worth briefly understanding who Ken Griffin is. Starting his trading career while still in college, Griffin founded Citadel in 1990. Over the decades, Citadel has grown into a global investment powerhouse managing tens of billions of dollars across a variety of asset classes.

Ken Griffin’s personal wealth is largely tied to the success of Citadel, and he has a reputation for sophisticated, data-driven investment strategies. His holdings span a broad spectrum of industries, with a focus on both established blue-chip companies and high-growth sectors.

The 5 Biggest Stock Holdings of Ken Griffin

1. Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW)

At the top of Ken Griffin’s list is Charles Schwab, the well-known brokerage and financial services company. This holding is estimated to be worth around $2 billion. Schwab’s steady growth and dominant position in wealth management and brokerage services align well with Griffin’s preference for solid financials with reliable cash flows.

Charles Schwab’s expansion into digital wealth management and ETFs has helped the company sustain strong client inflows, making it a compelling choice in Griffin’s portfolio.

2. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

The second-largest holding is the Invesco QQQ ETF, valued at roughly $1.37 billion. QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 index, which means it includes many of the most innovative tech giants in the world, such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.

By investing heavily in QQQ, Griffin demonstrates confidence in the continued growth of the technology sector. The ETF offers broad exposure to high-growth tech stocks, which fits well with a strategy that balances innovation with diversification.

3. Hess Corporation (HES)

Ken Griffin’s portfolio also includes a significant position in Hess Corporation, an independent energy company specializing in exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. This holding is valued at approximately $1.25 billion.

Energy remains a critical sector globally, and Griffin’s investment here suggests a strategic bet on oil and gas markets amid a complex energy transition. Hess’s operational efficiency and asset quality make it a notable choice within the energy space.

4. Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (EW)

Another major holding is Edwards Lifesciences, a leading medical technology company focusing on heart valves and critical care monitoring. This stake is valued around $1.06 billion.

Healthcare technology is a sector with long-term growth potential driven by aging populations and technological advancements. Griffin’s investment in Edwards Lifesciences highlights his belief in companies innovating to meet critical medical needs.

5. Medtronic plc (MDT)

Rounding out the top five is Medtronic, one of the largest global medical device companies. Citadel’s stake in Medtronic is estimated to be worth about $781 million.

Medtronic’s diverse portfolio of products and global footprint provide stable revenue streams and exposure to ongoing healthcare demand. This holding complements the Edwards Lifesciences position and underscores Griffin’s broader commitment to healthcare innovation.

Broader Insights Into Griffin’s Portfolio

Beyond these top five, Ken Griffin’s portfolio also includes large positions in ETFs like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and high-profile growth stocks such as Nvidia (NVDA), which has been a significant bet in the artificial intelligence space.

Historically, Griffin’s investment strategy reflects a blend of stability and growth. His financial sector holdings (like Schwab) provide steady cash flow and dividend income, while ETFs and select tech or healthcare stocks offer upside potential in fast-evolving industries.

Citadel’s use of quantitative analysis and extensive market data likely influences these positions, allowing Griffin to adjust exposures based on market trends and risk factors efficiently.

Why These Holdings Matter

Griffin’s top holdings are not just arbitrary picks. Each of these companies plays a critical role in its sector, often leading innovation or market share. Here’s why these five matter:

  • Charles Schwab: Dominates retail investing and wealth management, key beneficiaries of growing investor participation globally.

  • Invesco QQQ: Provides a diversified bet on technology, arguably the biggest driver of economic growth in recent decades.

  • Hess Corporation: Represents strategic exposure to energy markets during a period of transition toward cleaner sources.

  • Edwards Lifesciences & Medtronic: Both offer stakes in essential healthcare innovations that meet increasing demand as demographics shift.

By analyzing these holdings, investors can glean clues about market sectors likely to perform well and understand Griffin’s balanced approach between growth and stability.

What This Means for Investors

For anyone watching hedge fund trends or trying to understand where smart money is going, Ken Griffin’s portfolio offers valuable lessons:

  • Diversification is key: Griffin doesn’t put all his eggs in one basket. His holdings span finance, tech, energy, and healthcare, reducing sector-specific risk.

  • Balance between blue-chip and growth: Schwab and Medtronic provide stable cash flow; QQQ and Edwards Lifesciences offer growth opportunities.

  • Data-driven decisions: As head of one of the most quantitative funds, Griffin’s portfolio reflects extensive research and analysis.

While individual investors may not have the same resources, they can consider a diversified approach inspired by Griffin’s blend of stability and innovation.

Final Thoughts

Ken Griffin’s five biggest stock holdings reveal a thoughtfully balanced portfolio emphasizing quality, innovation, and strategic market exposure. From financial services giant Charles Schwab to tech-heavy QQQ and healthcare innovators Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic, Griffin’s investments reflect confidence in sectors shaping the future economy.

For investors, following the moves of a titan like Ken Griffin offers insights into both current market trends and the long-term opportunities worth watching. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a beginner, understanding these key holdings can help you craft a more resilient, forward-looking portfolio.