Why buying the best UK shares after the stock market crash can help you make a million

Buying undervalued UK shares across the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 could lead to high returns after the stock market crash, in my view.

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.

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.

After the recent stock market crash, many UK shares in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 appear to be trading on low valuations. Although there’s scope for them to move even lower in the short run due to an uncertain economic outlook, over the long term they have the capacity to deliver high returns.

Through identifying the most attractive stocks today, you could improve the performance of your portfolio. Doing so may increase your chances of making a million over the long run.

Buying after a stock market crash

Purchasing shares after a stock market crash can be a difficult task for any investor. Fear across the market is generally high. Risks, such as the potential for a rise in coronavirus cases, may remain in place over the coming months. This could limit the returns available over the near term, and even cause paper losses for investors.

However, the past performance of indexes such as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 suggests that now could be the right time to buy the best UK shares. They may offer good value for money in many cases, which could lead them to produce higher returns in the coming years than they have done in the stock market’s recent past.

With the FTSE 350 having a solid track record of recovering from all its previous downturns, it’s likely to do likewise following its recent market crash. This process may take time. But through buying now while wide margins of safety may be on offer, it could be possible to produce impressive capital growth as the world economy’s prospects improve.

Identifying the best UK shares

Clearly, buying high-quality companies after a market crash is a sound move. They’re likely to survive the current economic woes, and capitalise on a subsequent recovery. They may even be able to strengthen their market positions over weaker rivals to generate higher profitability in the coming years. Therefore, they could offer lower risks and higher return prospects relative to other companies operating in the same industries.

Identifying high-quality companies can be done by assessing their balance sheets. Low debt levels and large cash piles suggest they may have the financial means to overcome a period of weakness for the world economy. Similarly, companies with unique products, low fixed costs, and other attributes such as a strong brand and exposure to sectors that may benefit from changing consumer trends could be relatively attractive.

Through focusing your capital on FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 shares that can produce improving financial performances while they’re trading at low price levels, your portfolio may experience a relatively fast pace of growth. Over time, it could lead to an improvement in your financial position, and even help you reach that seven-figure portfolio.

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.

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

Young female business analyst looking at a graph chart while working from home
Investing Articles

Is Avon Protection the best stock to buy in the FTSE All-Share index right now?

Here’s a stock I’m holding for recovery and growth from the FTSE All-Share index. Can it be crowned as the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 8.5% this month, is the Aviva share price too attractive to ignore?

It’s time to look into Aviva and the insurance sector while the share price is pulling back from year-to-date highs.

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s where I see Vodafone’s share price ending 2024

Valued at just twice its earnings, is the Vodafone share price a bargain or value trap? Our writer explores where…

Read more »

Businesswoman analyses profitability of working company with digital virtual screen
Investing Articles

The Darktrace share price jumped 20% today. Here’s why!

After the Darktrace share price leapt by a fifth in early trading, our writer explains why -- and what it…

Read more »

Dividend Shares

850 shares in this dividend giant could make me £1.1k in passive income

Jon Smith flags up one dividend stock for passive income that has outperformed its sector over the course of the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Unilever shares are flying! Time to buy at a 21% ‘discount’?

Unilever shares have been racing higher this week after a one-two punch of news from the company. Here’s whether I…

Read more »

artificial intelligence investing algorithms
Market Movers

The Microsoft share price surges after results. Is this the best AI stock to buy?

Jon Smith flags up the jump in the Microsoft share price after the latest results showed strong demand for AI…

Read more »

Google office headquarters
Investing Articles

A dividend announcement sends the Alphabet share price soaring. Here’s what investors need to know

As the Alphabet share price surges on the announcement of a dividend, Stephen Wright outlines what investors should really be…

Read more »