Why are Randgold Resources Limited (+13%), British American Tobacco plc (+4%) & National Grid plc (+1%) bucking the Brexit downtrend?

Should you buy defensive stocks Randgold Resources Limited (LON:RRS)), British American Tobacco plc (LON:BATS) & National Grid plc (LON:NG) following the EU referendum vote to leave the EU?

| 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.

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.

Stock markets across the world plunged in the aftermath of the UK’s referendum vote to leave the European Union. However, not all stocks were underwater. Defensive stocks, including many utilities, gold miners and tobacco companies, have been broadly flat or even positive today.

Soaring gold price

The price of gold rose by 5% today to $1,330 an ounce, its highest level for more than two years, as investors sought refuge in the shiny stuff following the surprise Brexit vote. The precious metal is widely considered to be a safe haven asset, and gold price movements have historically correlated well with risk aversion and market uncertainty.

I’m unsure about where the price will move from here, but I’m confident that the uncertainty is not going away any time soon. Britain’s negotiations to leave the EU and form a new relationship will likely take many years, which should make for a positive outlook for gold prices. It should also mean that gold mining stocks, such as Randgold Resources (LSE: RRS), will be a great defensive play against further volatility in the markets.

In addition to the soaring gold price, the 8% drop in the value of the pound against the dollar following the referendum result creates a double whammy benefit for London-listed gold mining stocks, as the falling exchange rate further compounds the surge in the commodity price. This means, in sterling terms, gold has risen in value by 13% today.

Randgold Resources is a good pick because it benefits from low production costs, which gives it a wide margin of safety. With an average total production cost of around $700 an ounce, its operating margins are as high as 47% with gold prices at their current levels. Its shares rose by an impressive 12% today, and I think further gains are possible, given the uncertain future.

Search for safety

Defensive stocks have fared much better than cyclical ones, as investors rush to safety.

National Grid (LSE: NG) is one of the most defensive stocks on the market, because as a regulated monopoly in the electricity and gas distribution sector, it is largely unaffected by changes in energy demand and volaility in commodity prices.

With a beta of just 0.32, the firm is rather less-cyclical and generates steady free cash flow year after year. This means the stock pays very reliable dividends, which makes it a great investment for income-hungry investors.

What’s more, the firm’s regulated inflation linked revenues means it offers solid protection against inflation – it’s dividends are inflation rated too – with the company promising to increase dividend payments by at least RPI inflation each year “for the foreseeable future”. National Grid currently yields 4.5%, with its shares up 1% today.

Weaker pound

British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) reports its earnings in sterling, but earns an overwhelming majority of its revenues outside the UK. The 8% decline in the value of the pound will no doubt prove an immediate boost to the sterling translation of its foreign earnings.

A long-time favourite for dividend growth investors, the tobacco giant has a strong track record of delivering robust dividend growth, and has been a reliable growth story in difficult economic circumstances. I’m confident that its outlook will not have changed dramatically following the EU vote, and it seems the market agrees. At the time of writing, shares in British American Tobacco rose 4% to 4,450p.

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.

Jack Tang has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Mature couple at the beach
Investing Articles

6 stocks that Fools have been buying!

Our Foolish freelancers are putting their money where their mouths are and buying these stocks in recent weeks.

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

I was right about the Barclays share price! Here’s what I think happens next

Jon Smith explains why he still feels the Barclays share price is undervalued and flags up why updates on its…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Where I’d start investing £8,000 in April 2024

Writer Ben McPoland highlights two areas of the stock market that he would target if he were to start investing…

Read more »

View of Tower Bridge in Autumn
Investing Articles

Ahead of the ISA deadline, here are 3 FTSE 100 stocks I’d consider

Jon Smith notes down some FTSE 100 stocks in sectors ranging from property to retail that he thinks could offer…

Read more »

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

Why I think Rolls-Royce shares will pay a dividend in 2024

Stephen Wright thinks Rolls-Royce shares are about to pay a dividend again. But he isn’t convinced this is something investors…

Read more »

Investing Articles

1 of the best UK shares to consider buying in April

Higher gold prices and a falling share price have put this FTSE 250 stock on Stephen Wright's list of UK…

Read more »

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

The market is wrong about this FTSE 250 stock. I’m buying it in April

Stephen Wright thinks investors should look past a 49% decline in earnings per share and consider investing in a FTSE…

Read more »

Black father and two young daughters dancing at home
Investing Articles

1 FTSE 250 stock I own, and 1 I’d love to buy

Our writer explains why she’s eyeing up this FTSE 250 growth phenomenon, and may buy more shares in this property…

Read more »