The 5 best UK stocks to buy and watch now

Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, there’s usually an opportunity in the markets, such as these five UK stocks.

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.

sdf

Investors could be feeling a little punch drunk. The past two or three years have delivered a wild ride on the markets, that’s for sure!

But whether we are sitting on losses, profits, or a flat outcome in our portfolios depends on the investments we’ve made and the stocks we’ve been holding. 

It’s a good time to find the best UK stocks

Now, with the pandemic clinging on and all the uncertainties surrounding the war in Ukraine, it may feel like a bad time to invest in stocks and shares. But during times of uncertainty, people like multi-billionaire Warren Buffett tend to go shopping for stocks. He knows he can get the best deals at lower valuations when everyone else is worried about something. And his tactics have been very successful over the decades.

Passive income stocks: our picks

Do you like the idea of dividend income?

The prospect of investing in a company just once, then sitting back and watching as it potentially pays a dividend out over and over?

If you’re excited by the thought of regular passive income payments, as well as the potential for significant growth on your initial investment…

Then we think you’ll want to see this report inside Motley Fool Share Advisor — ‘5 Essential Stocks For Passive Income Seekers’.

What’s more, today we’re giving away one of these stock picks, absolutely free!

Get your free passive income stock pick

There’s usually an opportunity in the markets, whatever the prevailing macroeconomic or geopolitical conditions. For example, I’m keen on several UK stocks right now and they’re on my watch list ready for further research. My aim is to buy some of these stocks when I have new funds available.

One on my list is trading platform provider IG GroupThe company has a steady dividend record. And with the shares near 825p, the forward-looking yield for the year to May 2023 is just above 6%. The business tends to experience high customer demand during times of market volatility. And I see that as a positive attribute.

In the current robust commodity price environment, I like the look of CapitalThe business provides a range of drilling and mine site services to mineral exploration and mining companies. And with the share price near 106p, the forward-looking dividend yield is around 3.5%. In March, the company delivered an impressive set of full-year results and said, “Tendering activity across all business units remains robust, with a number of opportunities progressing”.

Commodities, energy, and telecoms

I’d also pursue the commodities-price theme with a potential investment in diversified resources company Glencore. With the share price at 533p, City analysts anticipate a dividend yield just above 6% for 2023.

Energy is a big topic these days, and I’d address it head-on by targeting Renewables Infrastructure. It’s a closed-ended investment company focused on operational wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) installations in the UK and Northern Europe. And with the share price near 137.5p, the forward-looking dividend yield is around 5% for 2023.

Finally, I reckon telecoms and mobile money services provider Airtel Africa looks well placed to grow its earnings in the years ahead. The share price stands near 150p, as I write, leading to an anticipated yield of about 3% for the trading year to March 2023.

It’s possible for these businesses to miss their dividend estimates if operational challenges arise. However, I’m keen to research these businesses further with a view to owning their stocks for the long term.


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.

Kevin Godbold owns shares in IG Group Holdings. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Airtel Africa Plc. 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

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X engine series
Investing Articles

Rolls-Royce shares have reached £10. Too late to buy?

Selling for pennies as recently as 2022, Rolls-Royce shares recently topped a tenner apiece. Our writer assesses whether he's too…

Read more »

UK coloured flags waving above large crowd on a stadium sport match.
Investing Articles

Meet the $2 stock up 366% that UK investors are piling into

UK stock investors have been snapping up this meme stock recently. Incredibly, it has more than quadrupled since June! What's…

Read more »

Middle-aged Caucasian woman deep in thought while looking out of the window
Investing Articles

Down 49%, is this well-known name the deep-value stock it seems?

Our writer has been tempted to add more B&M shares to his portfolio after a recent tumble. So what's holding…

Read more »

Abstract 3d arrows with rocket
Micro-Cap Shares

After falling 80% from a 52-week high, is this penny share a screaming buy?

This penny share company skyrocketed earlier this year, but the share price has since fallen back. Is it a new…

Read more »

British Pennies on a Pound Note
Investing Articles

This penny stock rose 49% in a year. Here’s why it may still be a terrific bargain

This penny stock has soared by 49% in 12 months -- but still sells for far less than the sum…

Read more »

Businessman using pen drawing line for increasing arrow from 2024 to 2025
Investing Articles

MHA is a UK stock market success story that deserves your attention

MHA listed on the UK’s stock market in April and has performed extremely well. Dr James Fox explains why the…

Read more »

A senior man using hiking poles, on a hike on a coastal path along the coastline of Cornwall.
Investing Articles

£20,000 in savings? Here’s how a Stocks and Shares ISA could generate £621 a month of passive income – tax-free!

Christopher Ruane explains how a Stocks and Shares ISA could potentially generate sizeable long-term passive income streams from proven businesses.

Read more »

A rear view of a female in a bright yellow coat walking along the historic street known as The Shambles in York, UK which is a popular tourist destination in this Yorkshire city.
Investing Articles

Up 269% in 5 years, could the Marks and Spencer share price go even higher?

Christopher Ruane explains some of the reasons the Marks and Spencer share price has boomed in recent years -- and…

Read more »