Investing in the World Cup Winners

WORLD CUP 2018 INVESTMENT SERIES: Morningstar's editorial team pick their top contenders for portfolio returns from each Group

Emma Wall 22 June, 2018 | 7:19AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Russian World Cup 2018 football investment markets stocks funds

There are 32 national teams participating in the Russian World Cup 2018, divided into eight groups. The tournament kicked off last Thursday, June 14 – the inaugural game was between Russia and Saudi Arabia, ending in a five-nil victory for the hosts. Morocco was the first team to be kicked out of the contest on Wednesday June 20, with a record-breaking goal from Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

While the football pundits have their favourites, we’ve examined the offerings with a different aim – which of the four stock markets in each group offers the best chance for investment returns? The goal? To win a place in your portfolio.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will reveal our favourites – sometimes aligning our views with the bookies, sometimes deviating considerably when it comes to comparing sporting prowess and investment prospects.

Group A

Russia/Saudi Arabia/Egypt/Uruguay

Investing Goals: Russia

The bookies’ favourite is Uruguay, but we prefer undervalued Russian equities

Group B

Portugal/Spain/Morocco/Iran

Investing Goals: Spain

We agree with the pundits here and have both plumped for Spain

Group C

France/Australia/Peru/Denmark

Investing Goals: France

The best prospect for both the tournament and your portfolio in this Group is France

Group D

Argentina/Iceland/Croatia/Nigeria

Investing Goals: Nigeria

While the bookmakers favour Argentina, we explore the investment outlook for Nigeria

Group E

Brazil/Switzerland/Costa Rica/Serbia

Investing Goals: Brazil

Five-time winners Brazil get our vote – and are ranked second in the tournament

Group F

Germany/Mexico/Sweden/South Korea

Investing Goals: Germany

Germany is favourite to win the World Cup according to FIFA, and our investment pick too

Group G

Belgium/Panama/Tunisia/England

Investing Goals: England

Belgium is the bookies’ favourite, while we prefer the FTSE 100 – and explore domestic stocks

Group H

Poland/Senegal/Colombia/Japan

Investing Goals: Japan

This group has divided the critics – with some saying Colombia will move forward, others plumping for Poland. We prefer Japanese equities

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Emma Wall  is former Senior International Editor for Morningstar

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures