The FTSE 100 rebounds! These shares performed well in April

In April a number of FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) have run up since their March lows. Let’s take a closer look.

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The FTSE 100 index ended April at its highest level since March 23 and finished the month up about 8%. In the final days of the month, it even managed to go over 6,000. However, as I write, it is hovering around 5,800. Many investors would find this recent move up quite encouraging especially when you consider that March 2020 was a month to forget.

Today I’d like to highlight several companies that did heavy lifting for the FTSE 100 in April. Long-term investors may want to conduct further due diligence to see if they might belong in their portfolios.

Follow the consumer

Seasoned investors know that consumer staples stocks are defensive shares. Many in the City are now warning that we may be in for a deep global recession. If you also agree that our economy is going to be weak, then you may want to diversify your portfolio to include non-cyclical consumer shares. It is fairly safe to assume that the movements of the economy have little impact on their business models. 

Thus I would consider putting the consumer at the centre of your investing strategy. For most of us, daily outings are still limited to going to food stores and pharmacists, as well as some outside exercise. And shopping mostly for essentials is likely to continue in the near future.

In April, we have seen the share prices of several consumer stocks do better than others. They include these shares.

AstraZeneca – up 8% in April, also up 7.5% year-to-date (YTD)

British American Tobacco – up 8% in April, but down 3% YTD

Coca Cola HBC – up 19% in April, but down 21% YTD

Diageo – up 11.5% in April, but down 13.5% YTD

Reckitt Benckiser – up 8.5% in April, up 6.5% year-to-date

Tesco – up 5% in April, but down 5.5% YTD

How did financials fare in April?

Many feel investing in UK-based banks and insurers takes courage right now. Amid the stock market carnage, these shares have dived in the first quarter of 2020.

And as of April, they have had to axe their dividends and suspend their share buy-backs. Obviously this has been an important development for many investors, especially those who rely on passive dividend income.

If you believe that the current market rally looks sustainable, then you may want to put financials on your research list. Successful investing requires buying shares that are likely to offer value in the long run. 

These financial sector stocks have already seen their prices go up in the past two weeks.

Admiral Group – up 3.5% in April, also up 1% YTD

Legal & General – up 19% in April, but down 28% YTD

Prudential – up 19% in April, but down 19% YTD

Royal Bank of Scotland – up 3% in April, but down 50% YTD

Schroders – up 13% in April, but down 15.5% YTD

Other FTSE winners in April

What we experienced in February and March was broad-based selling. Therefore a large number of high-quality businesses are now available at discounted valuations. Here are six other businesses that the market bought in April.

BHP – up 10.5% in April, but down 25% YTD

DS Smith – up 17.5% in April, but down 15.5% YTD

Hargreaves Lansdown – up 8.5% in April, but down 14.5% YTD

Johnson Matthey – up 14.5% in April, but down 33.5% YTD

London Stock Exchange – up 8% in April, but down 3% YTD

Smith & Nephew – up 11.5% in April, but down 14% YTD

As always, don’t regard these names as formal buy recommendations. Instead, view them as a starting point for more research.

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.

tezcang has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Admiral Group, Diageo, DS Smith, Hargreaves Lansdown, Lloyds Banking Group, Prudential, and Tesco. 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.

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