The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is up just 2.3% since the start of this year – hardly exciting for many investors. The problem for many is that the large top 20 blue chips are struggling for top-line revenue growth.
That could mean that a portfolio of cheap blue chips might outperform the benchmark over the next few years.
Markets have become becalmed too, with the US economy not growing as fast as expected – which has the bonus effect of US interest rates being on hold for longer.
Put the odds in your favour
And if markets aren't going anywhere fast, cheap blue chips paying regular, consistent dividends might just be the ticket. Investing has much to do with putting the odds in your favour. If the market falls, buying and holding positions in cheap, high-yielding blue chips might be the best way of playing the probabilities.
It might require some courage and the ability to ignore short-term market plunges though – not to mention buying some stocks that the market dislikes a lot.
Here are 3 ideas….
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW)
There are early signs that Woolworths' problems may have peaked, with same-store sales at its supermarkets division up in the early part of the 2017 financial year. At the current price of $22.86, Woolworths shares have recovered somewhat from a 10-year low of $20.30 but are almost half of their 10-year high of $38.92. Add in a fully-franked 3.4% dividend yield and there's an opportunity for investors.
Retail Food Group Ltd (ASX: RFG)
The master franchisor for several diversified brands is expanding rapidly offshore and has a growing coffee roasting business. Capital light, a trailing P/E of 18.2x, a dividend yield of 3.8% and strong earnings growth ahead make Retail Food an odds-on winner. That P/E might appear high – but for a quality company generating double-digit growth, it's not.
Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)
The owner of Smiggle and Peter Alexander is also expanding rapidly offshore and recently reported strong earnings growth of 17.3% over the prior year. With a trailing P/E ratio of 17.3x, a rock-solid balance sheet and a 3% dividend yield, Premier is another blue chip to add to your watchlist.
