[ad_1]
At FTSE 100 has fallen higher in 2023. And on Friday it achieved what experts had been predicting for weeks, closing at record levels.
Aided by a weaker pound, London’s blue-chip index ended the week at 7,901.8 points. It is now up 6% since the New Year.
I want to add some top FTSE index stocks to my portfolio. Here are two on my shopping list.
Unilever
Food and household goods manufacturers Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is a ‘peace of mind’ stock, in my opinion. This is why it is a major shareholder in my stock portfolio.
Demand for these goods may fall when consumer spending comes under pressure. But the strength of the heavy brand is like dove soap, Magnum ice cream and Hellmann’s mayonnaise helps reduce this threat.
In fact, they command such strong customer loyalty that companies can raise prices at all points in the economic cycle without experiencing a drop in volume. The latest financials show underlying sales rose 10.6% during the third quarter despite the lingering cost-of-living crisis.
Price growth reached 12.5% between July and December. But the volume decreased by only 1.6% per year.
As a shareholder, I am also pleased with the appointment of Hein Schumacher as the new chief executive. This is due to extensive experience in emerging markets.
He previously led Heinz‘s operations in China and the wider Asia Pacific region, before leaving to join FriendlandCampina where he worked as chief financial officer and later as chief executive.
Schumacher – who will take the reins on July 1 – can take sales in this white-hot growth market to the next level.
Related British food
Value retail is an exciting sector for UK equity investors in 2023. And I am considering increasing my exposure to this fast-growing segment by buying shares in Related British food (LSE: ABF).
Consumers are getting smarter with their money. This has made fast fashion businesses like ABF’s Primark a giant of the fashion industry. And if the new trade is anything to go by the cheap retailers could be one of the best stocks to buy as your shopping budget remains tight.
Like-for-like sales at Primark rose 11% in the 16 weeks to January 7, its latest financial report shows. Cash-strapped customers are switching to cheaper alternatives and the likes of Primark are reaping the rewards.
I am confident that ABF’s budget retail division will remain an impressive revenue generator. Open 10 new stores in the period to January 7 and plans to cut the ribbon on another 17 across the US and Europe this year. It also continues to develop online channels to expand the digital boom, although it does not actually operate a web store.
High product costs could make profits hard to come by in 2023. They vowed to keep prices locked in until the fall in a move that could hurt margins. But I would still buy FTSE 100 shares for their incredible long-term potential.
[ad_2]
Source link