Buying UK shares to retire in comfort may not sound like an appealing idea to many investors after the market crash. After all, valuations across the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 have come under severe pressure due to a weak economic outlook.
However, buying high-quality UK shares now while they offer good value for money could be a shrewd move. You may benefit from the stock market’s likely recovery in the coming years.
With that in mind, here are two stocks that could be worth buying in an ISA today. They could help you to retire in comfort.
AstraZeneca: a defensive ally in a market crash
While many UK shares have struggled to post gains in 2020 due to the market crash, AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) share price has moved 8% higher since the start of the year. This may be due in part to its strong recent results. For example, in the first half of its financial year, the company grew its total revenue by 14%, while its core earnings per share moved 26% higher.
The prospects for the stock appear to be positive. Its investment in new drugs seems to be catalysing its financial performance. And, since its sales and profitability are less closely aligned to the economic outlook than many UK shares, it could offer defensive characteristics.
Given that there’s an ongoing threat of a second market crash, AstraZeneca’s growth potential in difficult economic conditions could increase demand for its shares. Although it trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 27, its 27% earnings growth forecast for next year could mean it offers good value for money. As such, now could be the right time to buy a slice of it for the long run.
Morrisons: a FTSE 100 stock with long-term growth potential
Even though the Morrisons (LSE: MRW) share price is down 3% in 2020 as a result of the market crash, it’s held up better than many UK shares. Of course, rising demand for groceries has helped to strengthen its recent financial performance. For example, the company reported like-for-like sales growth of 5.7% in the first quarter of its financial year.
Looking ahead, Morrisons seems to be in a good position to maintain a relatively high rate of growth. For example, it’s rapidly expanding its online presence. This could allow it to capitalise on what may prove to be a permanent shift towards online grocery delivery or collection for many UK consumers.
Certainly, weak consumer confidence and a competitive marketplace could hold back Morrisons’ share price. It also faces the threat of a second market crash.
However, compared to most UK shares, it’s experiencing strong demand for its products. And, with a solid strategy, it could outperform the wider stock market in the coming years.