- 39 stocks in the FTSE 350 have delivered positive returns since markets dipped after Trump announced sweeping global tariffs
- Utilities, supermarkets, healthcare and food/drink feature heavily
- Currys tops the risers list at the time of writing, with a trio of water companies, National Grid and Tesco also doing well
“It might feel as if everything is crashing on the market, yet there have been plenty of places to make money since Donald Trump’s Liberation Day speech turned the world on its head,” says Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell.
“Analysis by AJ Bell found 39 UK stocks in the FTSE 350 have delivered positive returns for investors over the past two days.
“There is a common theme that links nearly all of these names. It’s all about having defensive characteristics, such as providing an essential service that consumers or businesses need week in, week out.
“We all need to fill our cupboards and fridges with food and drink. We’ll consume energy at home and at work; properties are still going to be occupied; and if we get sick, GP practices and hospitals will be frequented. These areas are represented by most of the UK stocks that have gone up in value as markets have tanked.
“This weekend, millions of people will go to the supermarket and will fill their shopping trolley with their favourite brands – potentially the type of stuff produced by Marmite maker Unilever, fizzy drinks company AG Barr and meat supplier Hilton Foods. We’ll buy them in supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer.
“The fact all these companies’ shares have gone up in value since Liberation Day is down to investors believing they will have resilient earnings. That attribute is now worth a premium in light of what’s going on elsewhere.
“Workspace offers flexible office space and demand could rise in the face of economic uncertainty – businesses might be reluctant to commit to a new office lease, so using serviced offices is a temporary solution. Its shares have nudged ahead in recent sessions.
“Londonmetric Property has its fingers in many pies, including healthcare-related property. It sits alongside medical centre groups Assura and Primary Health Properties, and private hospital operator Spire Healthcare – all of whom have enjoyed share price appreciation over the past two days.
“United Utilities, Severn Trent, SSE and National Grid might be blissfully unaware of what’s happening on the stock market and in the news. Their job is to ensure vital infrastructure is working and the country is getting water and power. Most of the time, this sector is too boring for investors but the lack of drama is exactly what people want right now.”
