Some FTSE 100 shares are unmissable bargains proper now because of latest financial volatility, for my part. Nevertheless, because the index edges in direction of the 8,000 factors mark, and investor sentiment is bettering, I reckon now’s the time to behave earlier than costs and valuations rise.

Enhancing sentiment or false daybreak?

The FTSE 100 index is up 6% over a 12-month interval. At the moment final yr, the index sat at 7,471p, and presently trades for 7,925p.

I’d have to return to February 2023 for the final time it handed the all-time excessive of 8,000p. Even then, it stayed above this level for lower than a day.

Knowledge launched not too long ago reveals that retail spending got here in higher than anticipated in January and February of this yr. This helped allay fears of a sustained recession, and sparked murmurings of improved investor sentiment. Plus, when you think about that many economists reckon we’re set for rate of interest cuts sooner reasonably than later, in addition to inflation ranges coming down, I’m not shocked to see the FTSE 100 edging upwards.

With this cocktail of tailwinds behind my thoughts, I can’t assist questioning when shares will start to see their costs rising. Now might be the right time to capitalise and bolster my holdings, in my opinion.

One inventory I’m eyeing up for after I subsequent have some investable money is British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS).

Passive revenue gem

British American Tobacco is without doubt one of the world’s largest companies of its form with an enviable attain of over 180 markets, and a portfolio of round 300 manufacturers.

The shares have fallen 18% over a 12-month interval from 2,885p right now final yr, to present ranges of two,364p.

I’d love to purchase British American Tobacco shares for a couple of key causes. Firstly, I’m seeking to bolster my passive revenue stream, and it’s a Dividend Aristocrat. The agency’s beneficiant investor rewards coverage is to not be sniffed at. At current, a dividend yield of over 9% may be very attractive. Plus, the enterprise generates money hand over fist, which assist helps this. Nevertheless, I’m aware dividends are by no means assured.

Subsequent, the shares look dirt-cheap to me on a price-to-earnings ratio of simply six. For context, the FTSE 100 common is near double this.

Lastly, the agency’s monitor report, in addition to extensive profile and model energy, are enviable. All of those features have helped the enterprise develop, offering strong returns over an extended interval. Plus, these traits assist the enterprise proceed to stay probably the most enticing choices to dividend seekers. Nevertheless, I do perceive previous efficiency just isn’t a assure of the long run.

From a bearish view, the looming spectre of smoking bans linked to the ill-effects on well being is a fear. Nevertheless, it appears to me this risk has been round some time, and tobacco companies nonetheless appear to be being profitable.

Moreover, financial volatility might damage gross sales figures, as customers battle with rising meals, power, and different residing prices. Efficiency and returns might be impacted by this.

Total, I reckon British American Tobacco is a cut price proper now. I do assume it might see its share worth enhance as sentiment and the broader index experiences a possible enhance within the coming months.