The best shares to buy now for a stock market crash

Rupert Hargreaves highlights what he believes are the best shares to buy now to navigate a potential near-term stock market crash.

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

As I noted in a recent article, some investment analysts and market commentators are becoming concerned that a stock market crash is just around the corner. While I always take these projections with a pinch of salt, I’ve been looking for some of the best shares to buy now to navigate a potential slump. 

I’m looking for stocks that have the potential to perform in both bull and bear markets. To put it another way, I’m not going to bet everything on one outcome. 

When I say I’ve been looking for the best shares to buy now, I mean I’ve been focusing on high-quality stocks. These include companies like Reckitt, Games Workshop and Computacenter.

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

The best shares to buy now

There’s a simple reason why I’d focus on these companies over other opportunities. No matter what happens in the stock market, people will still be buying cleaning products, tabletop models and require help setting up IT infrastructure.

A stock market crash might have a small impact on the demand for these products and services. Still, I’m willing to bet people won’t stop cleaning their homes because the stock market slumps. 

That’s why I think these are some of the best shares to buy now. I already own Reckitt and would also buy Games Workshop as well as Computacenter for added diversification. 

Another company I’d buy to provide some protection against a stock market crash is CMC Markets. This financial services corporation makes money when investors bet on the stock market using its platforms. In periods of high volatility, trading activity on its platforms tends to increase. This can lead to higher profits. But remember, the opposite can happen when activity calms.

Stock market crash protection

Another opportunity is BHP. The prices of commodities such as iron ore and copper tend to move independently of stock markets. With governments around the world set to spend millions of pounds over the next few years on infrastructure projects, demand for these commodities will dramatically increase. As such, I think BHP’s profits will grow, no matter what happens to equity markets in the meantime. That’s why I’d buy the company for my portfolio. 

Unfortunately, while I believe these are some of the best shares to buy now ahead of a stock market crash, they have their own challenges. Companies like Reckitt and Games Workshop have to deal with rising costs, which could eat into profit margins. Computacenter and CMC may also have to deal with higher wages, which could impact growth. And while BHP might be earning windfall profits from high commodity prices today, there’s no guarantee prices will remain elevated indefinitely. 

Despite these risks, I think these five companies could help protect my portfolio against the stock market crash. That’s why I’d buy all of them today. 


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.

Rupert Hargreaves owns shares of Reckitt plc. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended Games Workshop. 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

ISA coins
Investing Articles

Can funds like this help ISA investors retire with a large passive income?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be powerful weapons in helping ISA and SIPP investors build wealth for retirement.

Read more »

ISA Individual Savings Account
Investing Articles

With a yield of up to 6%, could this bank help a Stocks and Shares ISA generate £10,000 of passive income a year?

A Stocks and Shares ISA is a popular way of saving for retirement. But how much would be needed to…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

This FTSE 250 trust is easily beating the global index in 2025. Time to buy?

One global FTSE 250 investment trust has been turning things round recently, with a handy bit of outperformance. Ben McPoland…

Read more »

Bournemouth at night with a fireworks display from the pier
Investing Articles

Is the fizz about to go from the Coca-Cola HBC share price?

The world’s most popular drink’s hitting the headlines again. Our writer considers whether there are any implications for the Coca-Cola…

Read more »

Portrait of a boy with the map of the world painted on his face.
Investing Articles

3 top FTSE 250 investment trusts to consider buying today 

This trio of high-quality trusts from the FTSE 250 index would give a Stocks and Shares ISA portfolio a truly…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Another strong set of results from this FTSE 100 telecoms company. Time to buy?

The FTSE 100’s Airtel Africa released its first-quarter earnings yesterday (24 July). Our writer’s been taking a closer look at…

Read more »

A quiet morning and an empty Victoria Street in Edinburgh's historic Old Town.
Investing Articles

The Rightmove share price is too hot… a pullback could be coming

The Rightmove share price has pushed above the consensus share price target. And while analysts are often wrong, this could…

Read more »

Branch of NatWest bank
Investing Articles

With the bank’s income, margin and earnings higher, the NatWest share price continues where it left off!

Post-pandemic the NatWest share price has been the third-best performer on the FTSE 100. Our writer looks at the bank’s…

Read more »