Might the FTSE 100 be set to soar in 2024?

The FTSE 100 broke by means of 8,000 factors in early April. Might we see the beginning of a long-awaited bull run?

Properly, no. Not less than, it appears, not but.

The Footsie took a quick look above 8,000, didn’t like what it noticed, and rapidly ducked down once more. It’s right down to 7,850 factors on the time of writing.

So what’s flawed? In spite of everything, forecasts for our high UK shares look sturdy. They’ve dipped a bit as estimates have been scaled again. And we’re nonetheless ready for 2023 outcomes to all are available in.

10% earnings progress

However analysts predict complete earnings progress from FTSE 100 shares in 2023 of near 10%.

Initially of the 12 months, the FTSE 100 was on an general price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 11. The index has gained a bit of since then, however after this newest retreat, actually not very a lot in any respect.

The common P/E over the previous decade has been round 16, and that’s near the Footsie’s long-term common.

Assuming it should get again round that mark, and factoring in that potential 10% earnings progress, I reckon the FTSE 100 may simply be 30% undervalued proper now.

Dividends

After which let’s add within the forecast dividend yield. In keeping with AJ Bell‘s Dividend Dashboard, the Metropolis places it at 3.9% for the 12 months simply ended. And we see 4.2% for 2024, which is traditionally sturdy.

Traders can get greater than that from a Money ISA proper now, and that’s assured. However as soon as rates of interest fall, that may’t final.

By the tip of the 12 months, if we get the rate of interest cuts we hope for, Money ISAs, gilts and bonds may all look lots much less enticing. May that be the spur for a significant transfer again into shares and shares?

Low cost inventory?

For example of how crazily low cost I believe some FTSE 100 shares are proper now, let’s take a look at Lloyds Banking Group (LSE: LLOY). For no different purpose, actually, than that I personal some.

The ahead Lloyds dividend stands at 5.4%. And the forecast P/E for 2024 is simply 9. What’s extra, progress forecasts for the subsequent few years would drop the P/E as little as six, and push the dividend yield near 7%.

Are UK investor mad to not need to snap up a discount like that?

Properly, the short-term threat continues to be there, with rates of interest hurting Lloyds’ mortgage enterprise. And after they fall, we must always see decrease lending margins… it hurts whichever approach we take a look at it. I believe Lloyds shares may nicely face additional weak spot.

Sentiment

However by far the largest issue, for me at the least, is UK investor sentiment. Whereas the worry continues to be right here, UK share costs may nicely keep low.

Nonetheless, I actually do assume we may see a lift in inventory market confidence within the second half of this 12 months.

And if the FTSE 100 doesn’t finish the 12 months nicely above 8,000 factors… nicely, we’ll simply be capable to purchase shares low cost for a bit longer.