Is time running out to buy cheap FTSE shares?

With inflation dropping significantly, Zaven Boyrazian believes now’s a good time to start buying FTSE shares while they’re still cheap.

| More on:

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.

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print

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.

While political uncertainty’s bearing down on FTSE shares, the British stock market’s still trending upwards. With inflation cooling, there are growing expectations of interest rate cuts around the corner. And apart from alleviating pressure on household wallets, the lower cost of capital bodes well for stock valuations as well.

As such, 2024 could be a terrific year for investors as the market recovery could potentially enter full swing. And if that’s the case, does that mean time’s running out to capitalise on bargains?

Capitalising on a recovery

History has proven countless times that snapping up quality shares at cheap prices can be quite lucrative. And finding such bargains after a period of heightened volatility is far easier since widespread panic-selling creates buying opportunities en masse.

We’ve already seen many FTSE shares make stellar comebacks over the last six months. Yet there are still plenty trading well below their estimated intrinsic value. And should interest rate cuts spark a new rally, that may change fairly quickly.

This certainly suggests time is running out to capitalise on the recovery. But while this might be partially true, rushing into cheap-looking investments can easily turn into a costly mistake.

Even during a correction, stocks get beaten down for a reason. And in many cases, there’s justifiable cause for concern. It’s up to investors to carefully analyse the underlying business and its situation to verify they’re not walking into a value trap. And, unfortunately, this takes time.

The good news is while the opportunity to capitalise on a stock market recovery’s rare, there are always bargains to be found. Events like short-term disruptions to operations, or missed earnings targets can spark significant stock price volatility, even during a raging bull market. Therefore, investors should never fall prey to the fear of missing out.

Top stocks to consider now?

Finding the best stocks to buy is never easy. After all, everyone has different risk tolerances and objectives that make different businesses suitable or unsuitable, depending on the individual. However, as a young investor, my portfolio’s focus is still firmly on growth. And with that in mind, Kainos Group (LSE:KNOS) looks promising to me.

The group specialises in digitalisation, helping companies automate their processes and improving efficiency while reducing costs. And it’s proven to be a highly generative endeavour that’s led to a return on invested capital (ROIC) of more than 30% for over five years! For reference, the average among most FTSE shares is around 10%.

Seeing this level of shareholder value creation priced at a forward earnings multiple of 20 seems relatively cheap. This is especially true considering that it’s significantly lower than its five-year average. However, Kainos shares aren’t exactly strangers to volatility.

With a stellar track record, investor expectations surrounding this business have been steadily rising over the years. To date, management seems to be delivering on these milestones. And while I’m optimistic the firm will continue to do so moving forward, an unforeseen disruption could spark quite a bit of volatility in the short term.

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.

Zaven Boyrazian has positions in Kainos Group Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended 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

Young woman holding up three fingers
Investing Articles

3 SIPP mistakes to avoid

Our writer explains a trio of potentially costly errors he tries to avoid making when investing his SIPP, on an…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

Here’s how (and why) I’d start buying shares with £25 a week

Our writer uses his investment experience and current approach to explain how he would start buying shares on a limited…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

Here’s my 5-step approach to earning passive income of £500 a month

Christopher Ruane explains the handful of steps he uses to target hundreds of pounds in passive income each month.

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 UK shares I’ve been buying this week

From a value perspective, UK shares look attractive. But two in particular have been attracting Stephen Wright’s attention over the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

A lifelong second income for just £10 a week? Here’s how!

With a simple, structured approach to buying blue-chip dividend shares at attractive prices, our writer's building a second income for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how I’d use a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA to help build generational wealth

Discover how our writer would aim to turn a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA into a sizeable nest egg by…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Billionaire Warren Buffett just bought shares of Domino’s Pizza. Should I grab a slice?

Our writer takes a look at a few reasons why Domino's Pizza stock might have appealed to Warren Buffett's Berkshire…

Read more »

Yellow number one sitting on blue background
Investing For Beginners

My number 1 tip for Stocks and Shares ISA investors

This strategy has improved Edward Sheldon’s ISA returns dramatically and he thinks it could help other investors have more financial…

Read more »