There may be some questions about the strength of the U.K. economy right now, but Barclays continues to see investment opportunities in the country, naming small- and mid-cap stocks it is betting on right now. The benchmark FTSE 100 index logged returns of 5.7% in 2024, significantly below its U.S. counterparts, with the S & P 500 ending the year up 23.3%. Here are three of the U.K.
"While the group has a history of what we see as strong execution, we see scope for volume growth to once again outstrip its peers through the next cycle, and in our view, valuation screens as being relatively compelling vs the sector," the analysts said. Shares in Bellway are listed on the London Stock Exchange and are down nearly 17.5% over the last 12 months. Its shares also trade as an ADR in the U.S. under the ticker BLWYY . Barclays has a target price of £33.