How I’d find the best shares to buy now and hold forever in a Stocks and Shares ISA

Searching in unloved sectors and focusing on dividends could be a means of finding the best shares to buy now in a Stocks and Shares ISA.

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.

A buy-and-hold strategy could be a sound means of building a Stocks and Shares ISA that ultimately provides a worthwhile passive income in older age.

The past returns of the stock market show that a portfolio of UK shares has generally produced an annualised total return in the high-single digits. When compounded, this can produce a surprisingly large nest egg.

However, finding the best shares to buy now for such a strategy could be a tough task. The economic outlook is uncertain, and many companies are experiencing tough prospects.

By searching for high-quality dividend shares in unloved sectors, an investor may be able to unearth the most attractive companies for the long run.

Searching in unloved sectors for Stocks and Shares ISA investments

Some of the best shares to buy now in a Stocks and Shares ISA could be in unpopular sectors. For example, the banking, resources and retail industries are currently experiencing tough periods. And that’s likely to produce falling sales and profitability in the current year.

However, history shows that such operating conditions are unlikely to last in perpetuity. The economy is very likely to fully recover from its present crisis. This could mean operating conditions for those industries, as well as many others, improve dramatically in the coming years. The result of this could be rising profitability for incumbents that encourage higher share prices over the long run.

As such, buying companies with solid financial positions and dominant market positions for a Stocks and Shares ISA could be a shrewd move. They may be able to ride out present challenges to benefit from a long-term economic recovery.

Focusing on dividend stocks for the long term

Dividend shares could be worth buying and holding in a Stocks and Shares ISA. They could gain in popularity over the coming years because of a lack of passive income opportunities available elsewhere. For example, cash and bonds now provide relatively low income returns that may mean they’re unsuitable for many income investors.

Furthermore, many dividend shares may be able to raise shareholder payouts as the economy recovers. This could make them increasingly attractive to a wide range of investors. Certainly as they may see rising dividends as a sign of confidence among management and stronger financial prospects. This may catalyse their stock market value and produce further capital growth for investors.

Therefore, even if a Stocks and Shares ISA investor isn’t concerned about receiving an income in the short run, dividend shares could be worth buying. They could become increasingly popular over the coming years. And this may prompt high total returns relative to the wider stock market. This may also increase the size of an investor’s ISA and improve their financial situation in the long run.

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.

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

After FY results, why is the easyjet share price still less than half what it used to be?

After a strong set of results, our writer digs into why the easyJet share price is still far lower than…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Can the Aviva share price get above £5 and stay there?

With the Aviva share price edging towards the £5 level, our writer weighs some pros and cons that might influence…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s the BT share price forecast up to 2027

After a long slide, the BT share price has finally started to pick up a bit in 2024. And analysts…

Read more »

Investing Articles

If I’d invested £10,000 in a FTSE 100 index fund 5 years ago, here’s how much I’d have now

The FTSE 100’s recent performance isn't quite what it was back in the 90s. But it still hosts several fantastic…

Read more »

Frustrated young white male looking disconsolate while sat on his sofa holding a beer
Investing For Beginners

Why I believe this cheap stock is fundamentally doomed

Jon Smith points out a cheap stock that he's personally not going to get involved with due to a risk…

Read more »

Shot of a young Black woman doing some paperwork in a modern office
US Stock

How an investor could aim for a million buying only 8 shares

Jon Smith reveals how someone could aim for a million pound portfolio by considering a mix of growth stocks, including…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Investing Articles

Back at its 2019 level, has the ITM share price fallen too far?

After a rough couple of years, the ITM share price is now back to where it stood in 2019. As…

Read more »

Man writing 'now' having crossed out 'later', 'tomorrow' and 'next week'
Investing Articles

Here’s how Warren Buffett says he’d start investing today

Warren Buffett says if he was starting again with investing, he’d try to find undervalued opportunities where other investors aren’t…

Read more »