6 Buys And 5 Value Traps Hiding In The European Stock Market

In a new report, Exane BNP Paribas analyst Paul Schneider took a close look at the European recovery and whether European equities have more room to the upside. Schneider also named the firm’s top six Europe stocks to buy and top five stocks to avoid.

Vulnerable Equities

Despite recent strength in the European recovery, Schneider isn’t particularly bullish in his European outlook. “The domestic European recovery continues but, as financial conditions tighten in the U.S. and structural challenges restrain EM growth, we think equity markets remain vulnerable, while European valuations offer little comfort at this stage,” he explained.

Related Link: 10 Stock Ideas From Eastern Europe, Middle East And Africa

Domestic Strength

Exane BNP Paribas sees an ongoing recovery in Europe, but it will be based on domestic strength. Schneider is looking toward stocks in media, luxury goods, consumer ingredients, beverages, utilities and real estate for leadership.

Stock Picks

Exane BNP Paribas named the following six Outperform-rated European stocks as top picks:

• AstraZeneca plc (ADR) (NYSE: AZN)
• Axa SA (ADR) (OTC: AXAHY)
• Europcar Groupe SA
• ICAP plc (ADR) (OTC: IAPLY)
• Munich RE
• STMicroelectronics NV (ADR) (NYSE: STM)

In addition, the firm named five Underperform-rated value traps in Europe as well:<

• BAYERISCHE MOTOREN W (OTC: BAMXY)
• Sandvik AB (ADR) (OTC: SDVKY)
• SKF
• UBS Group AG (USA) (NYSE: UBS)
• Valeo, SA (EU) (OTC: VLEEY)

Disclosure: The author holds no position in the stocks mentioned.

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