Have £3,000 to invest in UK shares? I’d buy these 2 cheap FTSE 100 stocks in an ISA today

These two cheap FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) stocks could outperform other UK shares after their recent declines, in my opinion.

| More on:

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.

Investing £3,000, or any other amount, in cheap UK shares after the FTSE 100 market crash could be a sound move. It may enable you to obtain low prices for high-quality businesses that lead to impressive returns in the long run.

With that in mind, here are two FTSE 100 shares that seem to offer good value for money after their recent declines. Although they face short-term risks from an uncertain economic outlook, they have the potential to boost your ISA returns due to their long-term recovery potential. As such, now could be the right time to buy them.

An undervalued FTSE 100 stock with recovery potential

Among the biggest-falling UK shares in the FTSE 100 this year has been Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR). Its share price is currently down by 62% since the start of 2020, with lockdown measures causing its financial performance to suffer.

However, the company is cutting costs as it seeks to become leaner and more efficient. For example, it is on track to reduce expenses by £1bn in 2020. It also expects to report an improving second half of the year, while it is making good progress on fixing its Trent 1000 engines, according to the company’s half-year results.

Clearly, further volatility could be ahead for the Rolls-Royce share price, with upcoming results having the potential to cause investor sentiment to change significantly. However, with solid performance within its defence segment and the potential for improving prospects within the civil aviation industry over the long run, it could offer recovery potential.

A turnaround opportunity within UK shares

Barclays (LSE: BARC) is another FTSE 100 stock that has underperformed many UK shares this year. Its share price is down by 40% in 2020, as low interest rates and a weak economic outlook have weighed on its financial performance.

However, the company’s recent half-year results highlighted that it could offer recovery potential. For example, its tangible net asset value per share currently stands at 284p. This means that it is trading at a 58% discount to its tangible book value, which suggests it offers a wide margin of safety. Furthermore, the company’s balance sheet has improved over recent years, while its diverse range of operations could differentiate it from other FTSE 100 banks.

Certainly, Barclays faces a period of lower profitability due to a challenging outlook for the world economy. But, for long-term investors with a patient approach, its financial position and valuation could make it an attractive turnaround opportunity.

The FTSE 100’s outlook

While the FTSE 100 has rebounded to a large extent following the market crash, UK shares such as Rolls-Royce and Barclays highlight the opportunities still available to investors. Buying them as part of a diverse portfolio could enhance your long-term financial prospects as their operating conditions and share price performances gradually improve.

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.

Peter Stephens owns shares of Barclays and Rolls-Royce. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays. 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

Investing Articles

Why I’d snap up bargain UK shares to try and build wealth

Christopher Ruane explains how he hopes to find high-quality UK shares selling at attractive prices, to help him build wealth…

Read more »

Young Caucasian woman at the street withdrawing money at the ATM
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’d target a £2k annual second income from a £20k Stocks & Shares ISA

Our writer explains how he’d try to earn thousands of pounds annually in dividends by investing a £20k ISA in…

Read more »

Mother and Daughter Blowing Bubbles
Investing Articles

5 stocks that Fools have been buying!

Our Foolish freelancers are putting their money where their mouths are and buying these stocks in recent weeks.

Read more »

Investing Articles

The £20k Stocks and Shares ISA might be one of the better things about living in the UK

The £20k Stocks and Shares ISA doesn't have many equivalents in other countries. Here's why these accounts can help UK…

Read more »

Google office headquarters
Investing Articles

Growth or income: what should my SIPP target?

Should our writer concentrate his SIPP on growth or income shares, or buy a mixture of both? Here he considers…

Read more »

Black father and two young daughters dancing at home
Investing Articles

£17,365 in savings? Here’s how I’d invest that in dividend shares for long-term passive income

Interest rates might be higher than inflation, but Stephen Wright thinks the stock market is still the place to be…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Up 1,630% in 10 years and with a 4.2% yield, here’s my favourite passive income investment

Oliver thinks Games Workshop is an exceptional company offering generous dividends for passive income. But it can't grow forever!

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’d start investing with one pound a day!

Our writer explains how he’d start investing if he had his time again -- by putting aside as little as…

Read more »