Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, Dec. 23: 

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO Quick QuoteVLO - Free Report) : This petroleum company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 18.2% over the last 60 days. 

Valero Energy Corporation’s shares gained 22.1% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 13.2%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A. 

Suncor Energy Inc. (SU Quick QuoteSU - Free Report) : This energy company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 8.6% over the last 60 days. 

Suncor Energy’s shares gained 14.4% over the past six months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 13.2%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A. 

IAMGOLD Corporation (IAG Quick QuoteIAG - Free Report) : This gold mining company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 12.7% over the last 60 days. 

IAMGOLD’s shares gained 50.0% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 3.3%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of B. 

See the full list of top ranked stocks here

Learn more about theMomentum score and how it is calculated here.