3 FTSE 100 shares I’d buy now for 2023 and beyond

I think there is a high probability that 2023 will be better for stocks and shares than 2022. And there are many FTSE 100 stocks I will buy now to play the coming bull market.

Maybe my optimism is misplaced, of course. Inflation may not come down as expected. Perhaps labor strikes will be a persistent feature of the economic landscape. And the war in Ukraine could escalate much more than it is moving closer to its conclusion.

Maybe commodities like oil, timber, grain, wheat and others will reverse their downward trend and bounce back. And Drewry’s composite World Containers Index could rocket to new highs instead of continuing to fall. Or some other unknown crises like pandemics, wars and geopolitical events can affect the stock market.

Good performance business

But, now I am optimistic. And, to read the situation, all these things are getting better and not worse. So, I have bought shares to continue till 2023 and beyond in the long run.

And the FTSE 100 is a good hunting ground. I would not buy all the stocks in the index. But a lot of them are undervalued because of the bear market we’re going through in 2022. But the underlying business is doing well. And the directors of many businesses have issued optimistic outlook statements.

I am fully invested now. But if I had the money, I would consider stocks such as DS Smith. The company provides sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services worldwide. And there are substantial dividend yields for investors.

There is competition in the sector. And the industry is vulnerable to cyclical economic forces. But Smith has a track record of good financial numbers and has traded well. I think the business looks poised to grow as the general economic environment hopefully improves in the coming year.

cyclical opportunities

But I also like financial services providers Legal & General. The company generates high single-digit percentage profits and low valuations. But it may also signal that the market is worried about the current cycle in the industry.

But I am optimistic and believe that business can prosper all the time. Meanwhile, City analysts have penciled in modest, single-digit earnings growth for this year and next.

Finally, I am obsessed with banking giants HSBC Holdings. This is probably one of the most cyclical businesses that an investor can own through stocks. And that means there is risk for those who plan to hold the stock long-term.

However, bank stocks are often among the first to fall during economic downturns and the first to recover on the other. And I think the market will look beyond the current economic weakness into recovery. And, to me, it’s bullish for HSBC.

Meanwhile, City analysts have penciled in a double-digit increase in earnings for the current year and for 2023. And there are chunky dividends for investors to collect.

There is no certainty or guarantee that these three FTSE 100 stocks will do well for me in 2023 and beyond. But I’ll accept the risk and buy now.