Here’s why I’m buying cheap UK shares ahead of a bull run

Our writer explains why she is adding cheap UK shares to her holdings now during market volatility with a potential bull run pending.

| 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.

British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition

Image source: Getty Images

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.

I’m buying fallen UK shares now as the market is volatile and many stocks have fallen. My belief is that a bull run could be around the corner, which means my holdings could rise if this were to happen.

What’s happening with UK shares

Global markets have been struggling for many months now due to a number of reasons. Geopolitical tensions due to the war in Ukraine is one major factor. Soaring inflation across the globe is another. Here in the UK, rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis have also contributed. The combination of these issues have created major investor pessimism and caution among investors.

With that being said, I believe there is a rare opportunity to pick up quality UK shares to boost my holdings for when the markets turn around. However, I do understand that there is no guarantee of a bull run and no one can see into the future.

I’m increasing my position in a stock I already hold, and I’m adding another business to my holdings. Let me break them down.

Primary Health Properties

I already own Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP) shares but I’m planning on adding some more.

Primary is a real estate investment trust (REIT). It focuses on properties in the healthcare sector such as doctors surgeries.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice.

From a bullish perspective, Primary is a great stock for passive income. Its dividend yield stands at 7.5% currently. Many of the UK shares I own boost my passive income. However, I do understand that dividends are never guaranteed.

Next, healthcare is a defensive sector, in my opinion, as it is an essential requirement. Furthemore, the demand for primary healthcare in the UK is increasing due to an ageing and rapidly increasing population. This increased demand could boost future earnings and investor returns. It is worth noting that primary healthcare facilities are rented out by the government, which makes the rental income reliable and it usually comes with long-term rental agreements.

One issue I am keeping tabs on is the falling number of NHS staff. Many NHS staff feel underpaid and underappreciated. This has led to many heading abroad for better opportunities. If Primary sees demand for its facilities fall due to inadequate staffing numbers, performance and returns could be impacted.

Primary shares look good value to money right now on a price-to-earnings ratio of 13, hence why I’m adding further shares to my holdings.

Vodafone

Vodafone (LSE: VOD) is one of the largest telecommunications businesses in the world. I’m excited by its fundamentals, as well as growth prospects.

Vodafone shares look dirt-cheap to me right now on a price-to-earnings ratio of just two. In addition to this, a dividend yield of 11% would boost my passive income nicely.

Vodafone shares excite me due to the company’s growth aspirations, especially its foray into the African telecoms market. This is tipped to be a high-growth sector. Vodafone already has a presence here and is looking to consolidate, which could translate into earnings and shareholder returns.

One risk I’m taking into account for Vodafone is its debt-heavy balance sheet. With interest rates rising, debt is harder to service due to increased costs. This debt could impact investor returns and growth plans. It is worth noting that many UK shares are at the mercy of this issue currently.

I’ll be buying Vodafone shares imminently.

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.

Sumayya Mansoor has positions in Primary Health Properties Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Primary Health Properties Plc and Vodafone Group Public. 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

How I’d allocate my £20k allowance in a Stocks and Shares ISA

Mark David Hartley considers the benefits of investing in a diversified mix of growth and value shares using a Stocks…

Read more »

Young woman wearing a headscarf on virtual call using headphones
Investing For Beginners

With £0 in May, here’s how I’d build a £10k passive income pot

Jon Smith runs over how he could go from a standing start to having a passive income pot built from…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman with pink her studying from her laptop screen
Investing Articles

Near 513p, is the BP share price presenting investors with a buying opportunity?

With the BP share price down, is now a good opportunity to load up on the oil and gas giant’s…

Read more »

Investing For Beginners

Here’s where I see the BT share price ending 2024

Jon Smith explains why he believes the BT share price will fall below 100p by the end of the year,…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

A mixed Q1, but I’m now ready to buy InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) shares

InterContinental Hotels Group shares are down today after the FTSE 100 firm reported Q1 earnings. This looks like the dip…

Read more »

Close up view of Electric Car charging and field background
Investing Articles

Why fine margins matter for the Tesla stock price

In my opinion, a fundamental problem needs to be addressed before the price of Tesla stock recaptures former glories. But…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 charts that suggest now could be the time to consider FTSE housebuilders!

Our writer’s been looking at recent data that suggests shares in the FTSE’s housebuilders could soon be on their way…

Read more »

Investing Articles

I’m backing the Amazon share price to continue climbing in 2024

Edward Sheldon believes the Amazon share price will continue to rise as a key valuation metric suggests the stock's still…

Read more »