This year has been challenging for investors. The market has been on a roller coaster ride as the coronavirus crisis has crippled the global economy. However, I think this could be an excellent time for investors to make the most of the uncertainty. Indeed, many FTSE 100 shares are now trading at some of their lowest valuations in recent history.
History tells us that buying stocks at low valuations can produce high total returns in the long run.
As such, now could be a great opportunity for investors to take advantage of the uncertainty plaguing the market and buy a basket of FTSE 100 shares for the long run.
Today I’m going to take a look at a handful of FTSE 100 shares that could be worth buying right now.
FTSE 100 shares on offer
One of the cheapest stocks in the blue-chip index right now is Imperial Brands.
This tobacco giant is changing hands at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 6, compared to its long-term average of approximately 12. This suggests the stock has the potential to double from current levels when investor sentiment improves. As well as this capital growth potential, Imperial also supports a dividend yield of 11%.
The ethical considerations of owning a tobacco stock might put some investors off Imperial. Luckily, there are plenty of other FTSE 100 shares that appear cheap right now. Telecommunications giant BT is another option. The stock is currently changing hands at a P/E of 5.5, around half of its long-term average.
Unfortunately, the company recently cut its dividend, so this might not be the best stock for income investors. That said, BT has a strong track record of returning excess cash to investors. Therefore, it seems likely the business will resume the payout when it can.
Dividend income
I reckon Aviva should also be considered for a basket of cheap FTSE 100 shares.
Shares in this company are currently changing the hands in the market for a P/E of 5.1. The group cut its dividend at the height of the coronavirus crisis to preserve cash, but a month ago, the payout was reinstated. Investors buying the shares today can look forward to a dividend yield of around 10% over the next 12 months according to analyst projections.
Retailers Tesco and Morrisons also stand out as attractive FTSE 100 shares to buy. These businesses have performed exceptionally well in 2020.
As other companies have struggled with shop closures and a drop-off in demand from customers, supermarkets have been allowed to remain open.
And they have reaped the benefits. Trading updates from both companies show better than expected trading performances for 2020. Sales growth has allowed these operations to maintain their dividends to investors. Shares in Tesco currently support a dividend yield of 4% while shares in Morrisons yield 4.8%. If you are worried about a second stock market crash or economic uncertainty, these defensive FTSE 100 shares could be the perfect addition to your portfolio.
