The latest ASX shares that brokers have just upgraded to "buy"

If you missed the big 25% bounce in the ASX 200 from the bear market low in March, it might not be too late to join the party.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

There's no stopping the bulls! The ASX surged to a two-and-a-half month high in after lunch trade despite brewing geopolitical tensions threatening to overtake the COVID-19 pandemic as a major source of contention.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) jumped 2.4% to 5,753 at the time of writing. If it finishes at this level, it would mark it highest close since March 10.

Warnings of overstretched valuations and trade protectionism between China and the US and its allies can't stop our market from entering into bull territory.

If you missed the big 25% bounce from the bear market low in March, it might not be too late to join the party as brokers have only just upgraded these ASX shares to "buy".

Turning point

The first is Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ). Shares in the novated leasing group jumped 9.3% to $6.40 at the time of writing after Morgans upgraded the stock to "add" from "hold".

Positive news from industry peer Eclipx Group Ltd (ASX: ECX) and anecdotal signs of a recovery in the automotive sector gave the broker enough reason to lift its recommendation on Smartgroup.

"The clearest data point has been from ECX, which recently reported novated lease orders (as at mid-May) were down ~35% on pre-Covid levels, having recovered from down ~60% in April," said Morgans.

"Historically, SIQ's novated volumes have been less volatile given a higher skew to Government and Health sectors.

"In addition, ECX has shown a very strong week to week recovery in its fleet end of lease car sales (recovered to within 4% of pre-Covid levels)."

The broker's price target on Smartgroup is $6.95 a share.

Dropping into the "buy" zone

Another stock racing higher today is the Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price. Shares in the insurer jumped 3.2% to $5.80 as IAG became the latest stock to be added to Credit Suisse's buy list.

The broker upgraded its rating on IAG to "outperform" from "neutral" after its shares lagged the market by around 14% over the past two months.

The sell-off could be overdone. Not only are the earnings risk priced into the stock, but increases on insurance premiums and very low (sometimes negative) bond yields could trigger a rebound.

"We previously considered IAG a defensive stock in the current environment but struggled with valuation," said the broker.

"Post a recent share price pullback and the stock trading at a 10% PE discount to the market, from 0-20% premium in recent years, we now consider IAG at an attractive entry price."

Credit Suisse's price target on IAG is $6.40 a share.

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Cheap Shares

Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment or business plan at their office.
Cheap Shares

Where to invest $10,000 in a bullish share market?

High share prices shouldn't dissuade you from investing in the markets.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news about interest rates rising and one expert's surprising recommendation as to which ASX shares to buy
Cheap Shares

This ASX 300 stock is trading with the widest discount in its history

Bell Potter thinks this stock could be dirt cheap.

Read more »

a man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
Cheap Shares

Here are my top 3 undervalued ASX shares to buy right now

These stocks are excellent picks in my opinion.

Read more »

Three cute kids with mixed expressions poke their heads out from the back of a kombi.
Cheap Shares

Three ASX shares down 10% to 23%! Are they cheap?

Price doesn't equal value.

Read more »

Smiling couple looking at a phone at a bargain opportunity.
Cheap Shares

History says these 3 ASX shares are dirt cheap today

These beaten-down ASX shares could be offering great value for money.

Read more »

Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.
Cheap Shares

Why this ASX All Ords stock is 'extremely undervalued' right now

This expert is calling the market's cheapest stock.

Read more »

Man sitting in a plane looking through a window and working on a laptop.
Cheap Shares

After jumping 11% in a month, is this ASX bargain stock a buy?

This stock is on analyst radars after its FY24 results.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
52-Week Lows

Why I think this ASX penny stock is a bargain at its 52-week low

This health tech share hasn't been feeling the love from the market lately. But is there an upside on the…

Read more »