Share your opinion and earn yourself a free Motley Fool premium report!

We are looking for Fools to join a 75 minute online independent market research forum on 15th / 16th December.

To find out more and express your interest please click here

How I’d find the best shares to buy before this window of opportunity closes

Buying the best shares available today while they trade at low prices could lead to high returns in the long run, in my opinion.

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.

Finding the best shares to buy today may be a worthwhile use of an investor’s time. It may allow them to capitalise on low valuations that may not be on offer permanently. Furthermore, it could mean they purchase high-quality companies with the capacity to deliver solid recoveries from their current price levels.

Through searching in unpopular sectors and analysing company fundamentals, it’s possible for an investor to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the 2020 stock market crash. Over time, this could lead to impressive returns.

Finding the best shares in unpopular sectors

Searching in unpopular sectors could be a good starting point for an investor who’s aiming to buy the best shares available today. Industries that are currently unfavoured by investors may contain a larger number of undervalued stocks. Prices may reflect their short-term challenges, rather than their long-term financial prospects. As such, there may be opportunities to buy them while their prices don’t account for their recovery potential.

Certainly, unpopular stocks and sectors can remain unfavoured among investors for an extended period. However, the track record of the global economy shows it has always bounced back from its previous declines to post positive GDP figures. Therefore, the operating conditions of companies facing difficult near-term outlooks are likely to improve over the long run. This may help to justify higher valuations that result from improving financial performances and stronger investor sentiment.

Assessing company fundamentals

Analysing company updates may also help an investor to unearth the best shares to buy today. Assessing their financial position may paint an accurate picture of how they may fare in an uncertain economic period. Companies with low debt levels, strong cash flow and a solid financial position may be better equipped to overcome weak operating conditions. This may mean they can’t only survive a difficult near-term outlook, but may even be able to gain market share at the expense of their weaker peers.

Certainly, even financially-sound businesses may prove to be disappointing investments, in some cases. However, a company that has a solid financial foundation is likely to stand a much higher chance of benefitting from any economic recovery compared to its weaker sector peers. Therefore, the most appealing investments are likely to be those stocks with the financial means to overcome today’s present economic challenges.

Long-term investment opportunities

Of course, even the best shares may fail to produce positive returns in the short run. The outlook for the economy is extremely difficult to predict at present. A number of factors, such as the coronavirus pandemic, could have a major impact on its outlook.

However, through buying financially-sound businesses at low prices, investors can maximise their returns in the long run. They may be able to benefit from a likely upturn in economic conditions and investor sentiment in the coming years.

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

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

4 dirt-cheap growth shares to consider for 2026!

Discover four top growth shares that could take off in the New Year -- and why our writer Royston Wild…

Read more »

Road 2025 to 2032 new year direction concept
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT how to start investing in UK shares with just £500 and it said do this

Harvey Jones asks artificial intelligence a few questions about how to get started in investing, before giving up and deciding…

Read more »

Three signposts pointing in different directions, with 'Buy' 'Sell' and 'Hold' on
Dividend Shares

Yielding 10.41%, is this the best dividend share in the FTSE 250?

Jon Smith points out a dividend share with a double-digit yield, but explains why digging below the surface provides important…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is 2026 the year it all goes wrong for the Rolls-Royce share price?

2025 has been another stellar year for the Rolls-Royce share price but Harvey Jones wonders just how long its magnificent…

Read more »

Night Takeoff Of The American Space Shuttle
Investing Articles

A SpaceX IPO could light a fire under this FTSE 100 stock

Shareholders of this FTSE 100 investment trust may have just got an early Christmas present from Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX).

Read more »

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

Can dividends REALLY provide a second income you can live on?

Achieving a strong and sustained passive income in retirement may be easier than you think, even as yields on UK…

Read more »

Market Movers

33p penny stock Made Tech could be set for huge gains in 2026, if City analysts are right

This penny stock just experienced a sharp move higher. However, analysts reckon that there are plenty more gains to come…

Read more »

Elevated view over city of London skyline
Investing Articles

FTSE shares: a simple way to build long-term wealth?

Christopher Ruane explains some factors he thinks an investor should consider when trying to build wealth by investing in FTSE…

Read more »