A stock market crash could be on the horizon. UK shares, and others across the world, could drop in value. If a crash did happen, I’d look to add certain shares to my holdings that I believe could bounce back.
Stock market crashes can occur for a number of reasons. These include major world economies struggling with growth or battling inflation. In addition to this, geopolitical issues, such as the threat of war, can also cause a market downturn.
I believe all of these factors are currently present. The US and Chinese economies are struggling with inflation and growth issues, respectively, as well as a real estate crisis in the Chinese economy. As two of the world’s premier economies, if further trouble were to occur, the market could crash. The Russia-Ukraine tensions are a geopolitical issue to keep an eye on too.
Tech stock with a competitive edge
If a stock market crash were to occur, Auto Trader (LSE:AUTO) is one of a number of UK shares I would look to add to my holdings.
Auto Trader is recognised as the UK’s largest online vehicle marketplace. It makes money by charging sellers to list their vehicles to reach millions of consumers looking for their next car.
As I write, Auto Trader shares are trading for 655p. At this time last year, the shares were trading for 581p, which is a 12% return over a 12-month period.
UK shares have risks
Auto Trader’s main risk for me moving forward is that of competition. The recent rise of e-commerce and the digital revolution, which has been sped up further by the pandemic, has meant many competitors are now vying for market share. If a competitor with a better user experience or cheaper fees or another unique selling point were to come along, it could affect Auto Trader’s performance and any returns.
If any new variant of the Covid-19 virus were to appear, a slowdown in the sale of cars could affect any performance and returns. This happened previously for Auto Trader when the pandemic first struck.
A stock I’d buy
Auto Trader has a huge competitive edge in its respective market and has excellent brand recognition. The UK shares on my best stocks to buy list all possess a competitive edge or significant market share.
Due to its competitive edge, Auto Trader has excellent record of performance and dividend growth. I do understand past performance is not a guarantee of the future, however. Looking back at performance, prior to 2021, which was affected by the pandemic, revenues increased year on year for three years. More recently, it’s half-year results were excellent and the highest ever half-year revenues achieved.
Auto Trader pays a dividend that would make me a passive income too. Its yield stands at just 1.2%, but it has an annual growth record of 23% over a five-year period. I do understand dividends can be cancelled. This could be the case if a market crash were to occur. I would expect them to be reinstated over the longer term, though.
Auto Trader is one of a number of UK shares on my radar for possible additions to my holdings. I believe it could bounce back and provide a lucrative return for my holdings over time if cheapened by a crash.