Coronavirus sparks market volatility! Should you buy FTSE 100 stocks or wait?

The FTSE 100 has been crashing in recent weeks and it’s difficult to see an end in sight. Is this a good time to buy shares?

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The FTSE 100 has endured a volatile few weeks. It’s fallen from 7,436 points on February 20 to a low of 4,960 at the time of writing.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett likes to be greedy when others are fearful. Meaning a stage of high volatility and crashing prices is the perfect opportunity to pick up bargain stocks that can create fortunes in the years to come.

This is good advice in ordinary financial crashes, but the trouble is, the Covid-19 outbreak is no ordinary situation. It’s an unquantifiable threat, which makes it very difficult for financial experts to predict the bottom of the crash.

Index volatility continues

Taking a pragmatic look at it, governments want to protect their economies, and companies want to survive. Governments around the world have already pledged to inject billions into those economies to help them ride out the storm.

So far it hasn’t been enough to stop markets from tanking, but that’s because news of the virus is still filtering through and fear is gripping nations. Much of the volatility is generated by computer algorithms programmed to react a certain way to market changes, further impacting the situation.

Uncertainty is rife, and it’s likely that some companies won’t survive the turmoil. However, I’m sure many will and given time, they’ll come back stronger.

That’s why, if you’re a long-term investor, I think it’s important not to sell out too soon. Those shareholders who stay invested usually benefit more than those who don’t.

This may not be the bottom of the market crash and it could take years for the FTSE 100 to return to previous highs, but this doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to buy.

Some of legendary investor Warren Buffett’s key buying criteria include:

  • Choosing an established company
  • Avoiding business with high debt
  • Seeking dividends
  • Low price-to-earnings ratio (P/E)
  • Growth potential

FTSE 100 stocks worth watching

The FTSE 100 comprises well-established companies with a high net worth and is generally considered a wise place to invest.

Debt is the next factor worth scrutiny. If a company has high debt, then it faces a higher risk of failure. With the coronavirus crisis gathering pace, this has never been more true. 

Tate & Lyle produces the ingredients for many foodstuffs, with a particular focus on sugar alternatives and calorie reduction. It has moderate debt and a dividend yield of 5%. So far it hasn’t experienced significant production or shipment issues related to the virus, but is monitoring the situation. With the global obesity crisis continuing, I think demand for calorie reduction ingredients is likely to continue to grow.

However, there will always be exceptions to the debt rule. Supermarkets, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s are each saddled with high levels of debt but are likely to continue to thrive as demand for their products continues.

Each of them also offers dividend yields around 4% and their forward P/E has fallen closer to bargain territory.

Drugmakers AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline have high debt but could be considered defensive plays with the spotlight now on global health.

I think there’s worse to come, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to buy all FTSE 100 stocks. Providing you’re buying a quality business and are willing to be in it for the long haul, then the price you pay shouldn’t matter as much as it might seem at the time.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Kirsteen owns shares of GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK has recommended AstraZeneca and Tesco. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Man putting his card into an ATM machine while his son sits in a stroller beside him.
Investing Articles

The Barclays share price has soared 72% in 2024. Is it too late for me to buy?

I'm looking for a bank stock to buy in early 2025. The 2024 Barclays share price rise has made the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 lessons from the HSBC share price soaring 159% in four years

Christopher Ruane looks at the incredible performance of the HSBC share price in recent years and learns some lessons for…

Read more »

Portrait of elderly man wearing white denim shirt and glasses looking up with hand on chin. Thoughtful senior entrepreneur, studio shot against grey background.
Investing Articles

After a 2,342% rise, could this FTSE 250 stock keep going?

This FTSE 250 stock boasts a highly cash-generative business model and has been flying for years. Is it time to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

It’s up 70%, but the experts expect the IAG share price to climb still further

Why didn't I buy when I was convinced the IAG share price was likely to soar? And is there still…

Read more »

Businessman use electronic pen writing rising colorful graph from 2023 to 2024 year of business planning and stock investment growth concept.
Investing Articles

2 UK stocks with recovering profit margins

This writer considers a pair of UK stocks with very different share price trajectories following the pandemic. Would he buy…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

Will Trump’s tariffs squeeze this FTSE 100 giant’s profits?

Our writer looks at how the latest news around US tariffs might impact FTSE 100 company Diageo. Should he be…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 95%, is this FTSE winner the best high-yield star for me to buy now?

Do we have to choose between share price growth and high-yield dividends? In this case, over the past year, it…

Read more »

Asian Indian male white collar worker on wheelchair having video conference with his business partners
Investing Articles

2 dividend-paying FTSE shares that could benefit from the AI revolution

Our writer examines two dividend-paying FTSE shares and explains some of the opportunities and risks he sees in their exposure…

Read more »