Stock market crash: I’d invest £2k in these 2 cheap UK shares in an ISA today

These two UK shares could offer good value for money and recovery potential after the recent stock market crash, in my opinion.

| 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.

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.

The recent stock market crash has caused a wide range of UK shares to trade on more attractive prices than at the start of the year. As such, there may be buying opportunities for ISA investors who can look beyond short-term risks to a likely long-term recovery for indexes such as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250.

With that in mind, here are two UK shares that appear to offer good value for money after their recent stock prices falls. Investing £2k, or any other amount, in them could lead to high returns in the coming years that helps to boost the size of your ISA portfolio.

Next: undervalued retailer after the market crash

The recent update from FTSE 100 retailer Next (LSE: NXT) showed it could offer good value for money after the market crash. The company’s second quarter performance was better than its own guidance, with store sales more robust than expected. It was also able to bring back warehouse capacity faster than anticipated to meet a larger proportion of online demand for its products.

Looking ahead, further challenges could be ahead for the wider retail sector. Weak consumer confidence may mean it takes a prolonged period of time for demand to return to 2019 levels. However, Next’s online retail exposure could allow it to successfully adapt to changing consumer trends that may quicken as a result of the pandemic.

Therefore, now could be the right time to buy a slice of the company. Its share price is still trading 18% lower that at the start of the year following the market crash. As such, it appears to offer a wide margin of safety for long-term ISA investors.

British American Tobacco’s income appeal

Another UK share that could be worth buying after the market crash is British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS). The company’s recent half-year results showed it’s performing relatively well in a weak economic environment. For example, its adjusted revenue increased by 2.4%, while adjusted operating profit moved 3.3% higher.

The business is continuing to diversify into non-combustible categories, with 10% of its revenue now derived from that sector. This could allow it to capitalise on changing consumer trends, while continuing to experience rising revenue and profit from cigarette sales due to its pricing power.

With British American Tobacco committed to a 65% dividend payout ratio, its income appeal could increase after the market crash. It currently has a strong dividend yield of around 8.5%. With its profitability rising, it could realistically deliver an inflation-beating dividend while, at the same time, providing a significantly higher income return than other stocks.

As such, demand for its shares could increase in a low interest rate environment, which may lead to a rising price level over the long term.

Peter Stephens has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of Next. 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

Portrait Of Senior Couple Climbing Hill On Hike Through Countryside In Lake District UK Together
Investing Articles

Here’s how a £10k ISA could generate £1,845 in monthly passive income

Have £10,000 ready to invest? Andrew Mackie explains how it could help build a passive income stream worth over £1,800…

Read more »

British pound data
Investing Articles

Starting with nothing? Here’s why now is the perfect time to start building a passive income

Many are worried that 2026 might be a bad time to start investing in stocks and shares. Our Foolish author…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

Decided not to bother with a Stocks and Shares ISA? You might be missing these 3 things!

With a fresh annual allowance for contributing to a Stocks and Shares ISA upon us, what might people who don't…

Read more »

GSK scientist holding lab syringe
Investing Articles

Why is everyone buying GSK shares?

GSK shares have been outperforming the FTSE 100 in 2026. Paul Summers takes a closer look and asks whether this…

Read more »

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

£10,000 invested in easyJet shares at the start of 2026 is now worth…

Anyone buying easyJet shares will have endured a rough ride since January. Paul Summers wonders whether things could get even…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

5 years ago, £5,000 bought 2,645 Barclays shares. But how many would it buy now?

Despite delivering an impressive return since April 2021, Barclays' shares have lagged the FTSE 100's other banks. James Beard considers…

Read more »

Side of boat fuelled by gas to liquids, advertising Shell GTL Fuel
Investing Articles

5 years ago, £5,000 bought 354 Shell shares. But how many would it buy now?

When it comes to Shell’s numbers, most of them are impressive. And it’s no different when looking at the recent…

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT if I should buy Aviva, Diageo or BAE Systems stock and it said…

Aviva, Diageo and BAE Systems shares are popular FTSE 100 picks. But which of the three does ChatGPT like the…

Read more »