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4 Top Growth Stocks to Buy as Coronavirus Fears Subside

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Investor fears about the deadly coronavirus and its subsequent impact on the global economy seem to be easing. The virus has so far affected more than 20,000 people in China and has claimed 465 lives, per China’s National Health Commission. The United States had earlier declared the coronavirus a public health emergency while the WHO recognized the impact of the virus to be widespread, affecting countries with weaker health systems.

However, recent actions by Beijing to combat the virus’ impact on the economy and consequently stocks have been encouraging. The People’s Bank of China offered funds in the overnight market to the tune of $71 billion for the second successive day to alleviate the economic stress of containing the outbreak. The central bank particularly wanted to encourage lending to struggling business houses.

Adding to the positive note, fresh data shows that the domestic economy continues to be in good shape, thanks to a rebound in manufacturing activities. According to the Institute of Supply Management, its manufacturing index climbed to 50.9 in January from an upwardly revised 47.8 in December. The index scaled beyond the 50 mark, which separates expansion from contraction. Analysts, by the way, were expecting a reading of 48.5.

Strength in new orders, production and employment supported the gains. The gauge of new orders increased 4.4 points to 52 in January, the highest since July. One of the ISM survey respondents said that “our business is starting 2020 stronger than we finished 2019, as we saw a dramatic downturn in orders over the last four months of 2019.” Productions also turned positive, while employment in the manufacturing sector increased. The employment index hit 46.6 last month compared with 45.2 in the prior month.

Coming back to the coronavirus issue, let us admit that its concerns are overblown. This is because experts are pretty confident about containing the outbreak. Medical experts at Johns Hopkin have downplayed the threat from this particular type of coronavirus or the 2019-nCoV. Gabor Kelen, a medical doctor and director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, recently said that “the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general public in the United States is thought to be low at this time.”

Moreover, coronavirus isn’t as deadly and contagious as Ebola, SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. All the previous outbreaks could have had disastrous effects on the global economy. However, they were contained before serious damage was done.

4 of the Best Growth Stocks to Buy Right Away

With the economic impact of the coronavirus expected to be short lived, the broader market is poised to gain in the long run. Thus, to outdo market returns as well as take advantage of the aforesaid factors, we have used the Zacks Stock Screener to narrow down on stocks with solid prospects, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) along with Growth Score of A.

GoDaddy Inc. (GDDY - Free Report) designs and develops cloud-based technology products for small businesses, Web design professionals, and individuals in the United States. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has moved up 31.7% over the past 90 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 25.4% versus the Internet - Delivery Services industry’s expected decline of 19.6%.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD - Free Report) provides dredging services in the United States. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has moved up 5.4% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 358.8% compared with the Building Products - Heavy Construction industry’s expected increase of 3.2%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA - Free Report) provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has risen 5.3% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 5.4% against the Financial - Investment Bank industry’s expected decline of 4.8%.

Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (PCRX - Free Report) provides non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions for health care practitioners and their patients in the United States. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has climbed 2.6% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 49% compared with the Medical - Drugs industry’s expected increase of 10.4%.

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