I'm buying these 2 cheap ASX shares right now: expert

Forget high-growth stocks, says this fund manager. This pair of Australian giants will serve you well as inflation rises.

| More on:

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen more than 50% since the dark days of the COVID-19 crash in March last year.

So it's no wonder investors are now having trouble finding stocks that are decent value for money.

To add to that dilemma, many experts are also warning retail investors to stay away from high-growth ASX shares because of rising inflation.

"I think that means taking a little bit of money off the table when it comes to big tech companies like Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)," Burman Invest chief investment officer Julia Lee told Switzer TV Investing

"And instead looking at some of the cyclical companies — and looking at companies that look like value, where the market has probably punished them too far."

Lee named 2 such ASX shares that her fund is currently attracted to:

Two female executives looking at a clipboard together.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX share that's 'turned a corner'

The last few years have been punishing for IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) shareholders, as they've witnessed the horrors from the finance industry Royal Commission and the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2018, the shares were trading above $10. In the past 52 weeks, the price has been as low as $2.86.

But in the last 6 months, it has steadily recovered to climb 28.5%. And Lee expects this upward trend to continue.

"One company we find interesting at the moment, just because it looks so cheap, is IOOF. It's the only pure wealth manager on the market," she said.

"And if you have a look at the other wealth platforms like Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) and Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), they're up about 10% over the past month."

According to Lee, IOOF has "turned a corner" after several terrible years.

"In the last quarter, we did see investment management flows turning positive, so I think it's looking pretty interesting at these prices."

Flying will only ramp up in the next few years

Lee's fund already holds Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) shares, but remains interested in buying more.

"There's still a bit of volatility in terms of that travel space," she said.

"We're still accumulating Qantas whenever we do see weakness. Today we saw the price down around about 2%, so we took that as an opportunity to keep on topping up in little bits."

Lee is not the only expert bullish on the Flying Kangaroo.

The team at Ord Minnett earlier this month thought Qantas shares could hit $6.50 by the end of the year.

On Tuesday morning the stock was going for $5.54, implying a 17.3% upside on top of the 12.8% price rise so far this year.

"The broker also expects rational pricing from domestic carriers as borders between states reopen following the easing of COVID-related restrictions," The Motley Fool's James Mickleboro reported.

"And with Virgin Australia downsizing, its analysts expect Qantas to win market share and see opportunities for it to achieve a 70% share in the future."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of IOOF Holdings Limited and Qantas Airways Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Hub24 Ltd, and Netwealth. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO and Netwealth. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

a woman
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares that inflation can't touch: expert

Regardless of whether you're a bull or a bear, cost pressures are a factor when buying stocks at the moment.

Read more »

Two miners standing together with a smile on their faces.
Resources Shares

These are the best ASX 200 mining shares to buy in March: Morgans

These mining shares are on Morgans' best ideas list in March.

Read more »

a woman
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Analysts believe that now could be the time to add these shares to your portfolio...

Read more »

A cute young girl wears a straw hat and has a backpack strapped on her back as she holds a globe in her hand with a cheeky smile on her face.
Travel Shares

Qantas shares have dumped 7% in 3 days. Should I buy?

Is the recent Qantas share price weakness a buying opportunity?

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Arafura stock sell-off continues, broker tips 35% upside

Recent weakness could be a buying opportunity for investors according to one broker.

Read more »

a middle-aged woman holds up two fingers with a wide mouthed smile on her face and wide open eyes.
Share Fallers

'Top quality': Expert picks 2 ASX 200 shares to buy at a nice discount

These stocks are down but not out. One portfolio manager is convinced they'll make you richer in the long run.

Read more »

two dogs, a golden one and a black one, together carry a stick in their mouths as the run side by side with contented, happy looks on their faces.
Broker Notes

2 ASX 200 shares to rocket from same booming industry: expert

Most sectors will struggle when the economy slows down, but maybe not this one.

Read more »

A young woman sits on her lounge looking pleasantly surprised at what she's seeing on her laptop screen as she reads about the South32 share price
Technology Shares

These ASX tech shares are buys: Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs speaks very highly about these tech shares.

Read more »