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Highlights
- Investors are being overly cautious in building a fresh position in the market amid anticipation of interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.
- The economic slowdown and rising cases of the Omicron variant are other key reasons for market volatility.
The global stock market has turned volatile in the past two weeks after a mostly positive start of 2022. Investors are being overly cautious in building a fresh position in the market amid anticipation of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve to curb some inflationary pressure. The US central bank meeting is scheduled for this week. Moreover, the economic slowdown and rising cases of the Omicron variant are other key reasons for market volatility.
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Let us explore some FTSE listed stocks that could be a better bet amid market volatility.
Lloyds Banking Group Plc (LON: LLOY)
FTSE100 listed banking company provides various financial services to its clients in the UK and other countries. It owns and manages different well-recognised brands.
The lender has reported a decent financial performance in the first nine months of 2021, with the rise in profit before tax at £5,103 million mainly due to a recovery in net interest income. The possibility of a quicker interest rate rise by the UK central bank this year could benefit the company’s revenue and profitability.
Lloyds Banking Group Plc’s current market cap stands at £36,754 million as of 24 January, 2022.
Auto Trader Group Plc (LON: AUTO)
The company operates in the automotive space. It owns and manages a digital automotive website for new and used cars. During the pandemic period, car sales through e-commerce websites and other digital mediums increased multifold, which was beneficial for the business.
The company has a competitive advantage because of its digital presence and its website, which is the most visited automobile website in the UK for new and used cars. For the six months ended 30 September 2021, the company reported an 82% rise in revenue at £215.4 million. The operating profits rose by 121% at £151.7 million.
Auto Trader Group Plc’s current market cap stands at £6,474 million as of 24 January 2022.
BP Plc (LON: BP.)
The oil & gas company has its presence in every segment, including upstream and downstream operations.
The company has been reporting excellent business performance reporting strong revenue and cash flow from operations driven by higher crude oil prices, which now trades above USD 80 level in the international markets. As per market experts, the demand outlook for crude oil is stable to positive in 2022, which could ensure higher profits for the company.
BP Plc’s current market cap stands at £75,300 million as of 24 January 2022.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc (LON: GSK)
The company does the research and development of different medicines and therapeutical treatments to cure various diseases. The company’s stock witnessed good buying interest from retail investors recently after it received a £50 billion takeover bid for its consumer healthcare business from Unilever Plc.
GSK Plc eventually rejected the takeover bid amid a lower valuation. In 2022, the company’s consumer healthcare business would either be sold off to another entity or might be demerged and listed as a separate business on the exchange to create value for the shareholders.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s current market cap stands at £82,883 million as of 24 January 2022.
Vistry Group Plc (LON: VTY)
FTSE250 listed housebuilding company has main operations in the United Kingdom. The rising consumer demand for new homes might continue in 2022, as indicated by the higher number of housing transactions in December 2021.
For the year ended 31 December 2021, the company reported improvement in the home completion rate to 6,551 (FY20: 4,652) and expects a profit before tax of £345 million. The solid forward sales position of £1.94 billion will ensure revenue growth in the upcoming year for the company.
Vistry Group Plc’s current market cap stands at £2,398 million as of 24 January 2022.
