Stock market crash: how I’d find the best UK shares to buy today for the new bull market

Unearthing the best UK shares after the stock market crash may allow you to benefit from the new bull market. Here’s how I’d find them.

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.

There’s an ongoing threat of a second stock market crash. Risks such as Brexit and coronavirus could cause worsening investor sentiment over the coming months. And of course, that could negatively impact the prices of UK shares.

However, over the long run, the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 are set to experience strong growth. Their past performances show that bear markets have always been followed by sustained bull markets. And that eventually leads to new record highs.

As such, buying the best UK shares available today could be a sound move. Doing so may enable you to capitalise on the stock market’s recovery.

Financial strength in a stock market crash

Companies with solid financial positions may be better able to survive a stock market crash caused by a weak economic outlook. They may not only deliver more robust financial performances. They could also be viewed more favourably by investors during a period of economic uncertainty.

Finding financially-sound businesses can be done through analysing their annual reports and investor updates. Look for companies with balance sheets that contain modest amounts of debt and large cash balances. These may be under less financial strain in a recession than their highly-indebted peers.

Similarly, companies with a long track record of delivering solid financial performances with prudent financial management may be viewed as less risky by investors.

Buying the best UK shares with growth potential

As well as being able to survive a possible second stock market crash, the best UK shares are likely to be those companies that can adapt to changing market conditions. The full impact of coronavirus on consumer habits and the wider economy is still a known unknown.

However, it appears as though some trends are starting to emerge. They include an increasing focus on digital opportunities, new technology and a greater environmental focus.

Companies that can adapt their business models to fit with a rapidly-changing economic outlook could gain a competitive advantage over their peers. They may be able to deliver higher profitability over the long run.

As such, assessing a company’s strategy and its business model through analysing its investor updates could be a sound move. That will allow you to benefit from the long-term bull market that’s likely to be ahead.

A long-term view

As mentioned, a stock market crash could happen in the short run. Therefore, even those companies with solid financial positions and sound business models could deliver disappointing share price performances in the coming months.

However, over the long run, buying the best UK shares could lead to impressive returns as a bull market lifts valuations across indexes such as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250. Buying a diverse range of British shares today could prove to be a profitable move while they trade at low prices.

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

Sunrise over Earth
Investing Articles

Meet the ex-penny share up 109% that has topped Rolls-Royce and Nvidia in 2025

The share price of this investment trust has gone from pennies to above £1 over the past couple of years.…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

1 of the FTSE 100’s most reliable dividend stocks for me to buy now?

With most dividend stocks with 6.5% yields, there's a problem with the underlying business. But LondonMetric Property is a rare…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Is 2026 the year to consider buying oil stocks?

The time to buy cyclical stocks is when they're out of fashion with investors. And that looks to be the…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

3 reasons I’m skipping a Cash ISA in 2026

Putting money into a Cash ISA can feel safe. But in 2026 and beyond, that comfort could come at a…

Read more »

US Stock

I asked ChatGPT if the Tesla share price could outperform Nvidia in 2026, with this result!

Jon Smith considers the performance of the Tesla share price against Nvidia stock and compares his view for next year…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Greggs: is this FTSE 250 stock about to crash again in 2026?

After this FTSE 250 stock crashed in 2025, our writer wonders if it will do the same in 2026. Or…

Read more »

Investing Articles

7%+ yields! Here are 3 major UK dividend share forecasts for 2026 and beyond

Mark Hartley checks forecasts and considers the long-term passive income potential of three of the UK's most popular dividend shares.

Read more »

Hand is turning a dice and changes the direction of an arrow symbolizing that the value of an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is going up (or vice versa)
Investing Articles

2 top ETFs to consider for an ISA in 2026

Here are two very different ETFs -- one set to ride the global robotics boom, the other offering a juicy…

Read more »