The 5 best UK stocks to buy and watch now

Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, there’s usually an opportunity in the markets, such as these five UK stocks.

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Investors could be feeling a little punch drunk. The past two or three years have delivered a wild ride on the markets, that’s for sure!

But whether we are sitting on losses, profits, or a flat outcome in our portfolios depends on the investments we’ve made and the stocks we’ve been holding. 

It’s a good time to find the best UK stocks

Now, with the pandemic clinging on and all the uncertainties surrounding the war in Ukraine, it may feel like a bad time to invest in stocks and shares. But during times of uncertainty, people like multi-billionaire Warren Buffett tend to go shopping for stocks. He knows he can get the best deals at lower valuations when everyone else is worried about something. And his tactics have been very successful over the decades.

Should you invest £1,000 in Lloyds Banking Group right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Lloyds Banking Group made the list?

See the 6 stocks

There’s usually an opportunity in the markets, whatever the prevailing macroeconomic or geopolitical conditions. For example, I’m keen on several UK stocks right now and they’re on my watch list ready for further research. My aim is to buy some of these stocks when I have new funds available.

One on my list is trading platform provider IG GroupThe company has a steady dividend record. And with the shares near 825p, the forward-looking yield for the year to May 2023 is just above 6%. The business tends to experience high customer demand during times of market volatility. And I see that as a positive attribute.

In the current robust commodity price environment, I like the look of CapitalThe business provides a range of drilling and mine site services to mineral exploration and mining companies. And with the share price near 106p, the forward-looking dividend yield is around 3.5%. In March, the company delivered an impressive set of full-year results and said, “Tendering activity across all business units remains robust, with a number of opportunities progressing”.

Commodities, energy, and telecoms

I’d also pursue the commodities-price theme with a potential investment in diversified resources company Glencore. With the share price at 533p, City analysts anticipate a dividend yield just above 6% for 2023.

Energy is a big topic these days, and I’d address it head-on by targeting Renewables Infrastructure. It’s a closed-ended investment company focused on operational wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) installations in the UK and Northern Europe. And with the share price near 137.5p, the forward-looking dividend yield is around 5% for 2023.

Finally, I reckon telecoms and mobile money services provider Airtel Africa looks well placed to grow its earnings in the years ahead. The share price stands near 150p, as I write, leading to an anticipated yield of about 3% for the trading year to March 2023.

It’s possible for these businesses to miss their dividend estimates if operational challenges arise. However, I’m keen to research these businesses further with a view to owning their stocks for the long term.

5 stocks for trying to build wealth after 50

The cost of living crisis shows no signs of slowing… the conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine shows no sign of resolution, while the global economy could be teetering on the brink of recession.

Whether you’re a newbie investor or a seasoned pro, deciding which stocks to add to your shopping list can be a daunting prospect during such unprecedented times. Yet despite the stock market’s recent gains, we think many shares still trade at a discount to their true value.

Fortunately, The Motley Fool UK analyst team have short-listed five companies that they believe STILL boast significant long-term growth prospects despite the global upheaval…

We’re sharing the names in a special FREE investing report that you can download today. We believe these stocks could be a great fit for any well-diversified portfolio with the goal of building wealth in your 50’s.

Claim your free copy now

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.

Kevin Godbold owns shares in IG Group Holdings. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Airtel Africa Plc. 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.

Pound coins for sale — 51 pence?

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

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