Could now be the moment to start buying FTSE 250 shares?

The FTSE 250 has lost value over the past year. But from a long-term investment perspective, could that be an opportunity for our writer?

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.

Middle-aged Caucasian woman deep in thought while looking out of the window

Image source: Getty Images

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.

With the FTSE 100 recently breaking its all-time record, the leading index has been getting a lot of attention from investors. But while many people might be focussing on the main index, I have been spending time trying to figure out whether now could be a smart time to load up on some FTSE 250 shares.

Room for growth

While the FTSE 100 has hit a high, the smaller index has been falling. Even after climbing 21% since October, the FTSE 250 remains 7% below its level this time last year.

With a membership of medium-sized companies, I see the index as offering me more exposure to growth potential than the FTSE 100. As the economy has been struggling lately, I think we have seen a retreat to large, established companies in mature industries. That helps explain why the FTSE 100 has been hitting highs.

Passive income stocks: our picks

Do you like the idea of dividend income?

The prospect of investing in a company just once, then sitting back and watching as it potentially pays a dividend out over and over?

If you’re excited by the thought of regular passive income payments, as well as the potential for significant growth on your initial investment…

Then we think you’ll want to see this report inside Motley Fool Share Advisor — ‘5 Essential Stocks For Passive Income Seekers’.

What’s more, today we’re giving away one of these stock picks, absolutely free!

Get your free passive income stock pick

But, technically, the UK has now pulled out of recession. While I remain pessimistic about the outlook for the next couple of years, at some point I do expect significant economic growth to come back. That could be good news for FTSE 250 companies that have a proven track record of revenue growth, such as Kainos and Darktrace.

But if I wait until the economy is flying again, share prices may well have risen too. I think the time for me to invest could be ahead of a possible economic recovery that boosts FTSE 250 growth share valuations. In other words, now.

Finding shares to buy

That is why I have been searching for stocks from the index I can add to my portfolio.

I have looked at Darktrace but do not find its business model sufficiently attractive yet – I would like to see it consistently generating sizeable profits and free cash flows. Kainos appeals to me but its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 49 does not.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Kainos Group Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.co.uk

What I am looking for is a company like ITV, whose shares I own. It has a proven business model and consistent profitability, and also trades at what I see as an attractive valuation. Indeed, its P/E ratio is just seven. Can an old school broadcaster like ITV really be a growth story? I think it can, thanks to booming demand for its studio services along with a growing digital business thanks to a new streaming platform.

Building a FTSE 250 portfolio

But my confidence in ITV may be misplaced. The chief executive seems to struggle to communicate the business potential to the City.

I have been buying a diversified range of FTSE 250 shares, meaning that if one of them performs worse than I expect then hopefully the overall impact on my portfolio will be limited.

Hopefully I might also be right about what I see as some promising medium-sized companies that currently sell at attractive prices relative to how I think they might perform once the economy is humming again.

This AI stock is becoming a digital juggernaut in a £ 12.5 billion market!

🤖 Curious about the next big player in AI? 🤖

Our leading industry analysts have uncovered a trailblazing content platform that's revolutionising the industry with its unparalleled generative AI technology, setting new standards in creativity and efficiency.

Care for a sneak peek?

Trusted by global giants like Amazon, Disney, and Netflix, this innovative company is not just transforming digital media with AI-generated 3D content but is also capturing a significant share of a £12.7 billion market!

With a remarkable 62% gross margin, indicating exceptional profitability and operational efficiency, this company's growth trajectory positions it as a must-watch for savvy investors.

Best of all, we're offering exclusive access to the name of this game-changing stock, absolutely free!

Discover your free AI stock pick

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.

C Ruane has positions in ITV. The Motley Fool UK has recommended ITV and Kainos Group 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.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Here’s why Tesla stock just rocketed 22.7%! Is it time to buy?

This writer wonders whether the news that sent Tesla stock soaring yesterday is a true gamechanger for the electric vehicle…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 quality UK stocks to consider buying as share prices rally

With UK stocks moving higher, it might look as though investors with cash on hand have missed their chance. But…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How much £10,000 invested in Lloyds shares is forecast to be worth in 12 months

Harvey Jones is looking past today's stock market volatility to see where Lloyds shares may stand in a year's time.…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How Warren Buffett stays ahead of the stock market

When share prices fall, everyone suddenly wants to be like Warren Buffett. But what’s the secret to the Berkshire Hathaway…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Cheap UK dividend shares to consider buying right now

We're only just past the first quarter of 2025, but it already looks like the year could be another good…

Read more »

Young Asian woman with head in hands at her desk
Investing Articles

What the heck is going on with the Barclays share price now?

The Barclays share price surged 25% as the market open on 10 April. Once again, the volatility’s been driven by…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man pulling an aggrieved face while looking at a screen
Investing Articles

What the devil’s going on with the HSBC share price?

The HSBC share price has actually been less volatile than some of its peers, despite its Chinese operations suggesting it’s…

Read more »

Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Are Tesco shares a screaming buy after sinking to 9-month lows?

Tesco shares continue to experience price weakness as signs of mounting competition grow. But is it now too cheap to…

Read more »