We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

Stock market crash: Here’s why I’d invest in UK shares now

UK shares are making gains as the FTSE 100 index rises. This is the ideal time to invest because of the potential for capital growth. 

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.

When I was writing at the start of the week, the FTSE 100 index was falling. I was getting jitters that another stock market crash might be around the corner. Thankfully, though, it recovered over the following days. As a result, in June so far it’s up 5.2% from May. If this trend continues, this will be the second straight month of index gains, making it the best time to invest in UK shares I believe. Here’s why.

Best time to buy

Equity markets aren’t at dizzying heights right now. This means that as an investor I don’t have the sneaking suspicion that I’m investing at the peak and its only downhill from here. The markets aren’t plunging either, which can seem like a risky if not downright dangerous time to invest. Stock markets are somewhere between the two extremes right now. This to me says that I can be reasonably certain that there’s room for the FTSE 100 index to rise further. 

XXX

In other words, it means that as an investor, I can be confident that the money I put into the stock markets right now will grow. There’s more good news. There are plenty of FTSE 100 stocks that make good purchases at this time. Cyclical stocks, for example, took quite the beating during the stock market crash, but are full of potential now.

Best UK shares to buy

Real estate stocks like Persimmon are among these. PSN has bounced back from the lows it touched during the crash. Analysts’ stock price forecasts are encouraging, as is its past performance. Real estate is by no means out of the woods, but over time stocks like PSN can reap rewards for investors. Other FTSE 100 UK real estate shares are worth considering as well. 

I’m also keen on stocks in growing Industries, for instance, those of technology-driven companies. If there was any doubt about the potential of these UK shares, the lockdown has removed it. Stocks like Rightmove, Just Eat Takeaway, and Ocado are some examples of FTSE 100 shares like these. Even if their multiples look high, I’d consider them. That’s because their growth potential is quite strong and investors put a high value on them . 

More traditional technology companies like Relx and the Sage group are also good investments in FTSE 100 stocks. Their share prices have risen since the crash, but still have some potential to increase. I say this because the prices are still lower than they were during the pre-crash months. These are good defensive stocks. Their revenues are relatively dependable, making them good to have in a portfolio especially during recessions.

The stocks mentioned above are just a handful of examples of the best UK shares to buy right now, however. There are plenty of others that can hold us in good stead if we are ready to hold them for at least a three to five year period. 

Manika Premsingh owns shares of Rightmove. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V., RELX, Rightmove, and Sage Group. 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

Friends and sisters exploring the outdoors together in Cornwall. They are standing with their arms around each other at the coast.
Investing Articles

£503 buys 14 shares in this FTSE 250 stock that returned 23.9% annually for the last 15 years

This FTSE 250 stock has averaged a huge return for 15 years. At today's price, £503 buys 14 shares. But…

Read more »

Black woman using loudspeaker to be heard
Investing Articles

£1,000 buys 25 shares in this FTSE 100 stock that’s returned 29.2% annually for the last 10 years

This FTSE 100 mining stock has returned close to 30% a year for a decade. At 3,995p, £1,000 buys 25…

Read more »

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Investing Articles

Down 47%, is this growth stock finally worth buying in May?

With a £288m order book and a hidden pipeline of defence and nuclear contracts, is this growth stock now too…

Read more »

House models and one with REIT - standing for real estate investment trust - written on it.
Investing Articles

2 REITs yielding 7%+ to consider for passive income in 2026

A REIT backed by the NHS and another backed by Tesco and Sainsbury's with both yielding 7%+. Here's why I'm…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

Just 97 shares of this UK dividend stock generate £238 in passive income

A 5.7% yield, £238 in passive income from just 97 shares, and one of the most divisive dividend stocks on…

Read more »

ISA coins
Investing Articles

£10,000 in an ISA generates a second income of…

The London Stock Exchange is home to some of the world's most generous dividends. But how big a second income…

Read more »

Shot of a senior man drinking coffee and looking thoughtfully out of a window
Investing Articles

Expert recommendations: 2 top income stocks yielding 7%+!

With yields of 7.2% and 7.8% respectively, these two income stocks are catching the eyes of institutional analysts. Should investors…

Read more »

Illustration of flames over a black background
Investing Articles

3 top income-focused stocks to buy in May 2026, according to experts

Looking for a stock to buy for income in May 2026? Experts have flagged these three UK dividend shares as…

Read more »