The S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) crashed 7.33% lower today as the ASX correction that began in late February continues to ramp up.
While a lot of investors are getting spooked, it is also good to be reminded that the kind of market volatility we're experiencing right now does happen in markets from time to time.
It is true that this current correction is turning out to be quite a severe one. However, many investors tend to forget that we're coming off all-time highs on the ASX and we have had a very solid 10 years of gains since the GFC. So, a significant market correction is not surprising.
While some financial analysts will try to tell you when they think the bottom of the market will be, the truth is, in my opinion, nobody really knows.
What we do know for certain however is that the market now offers better value than it was a day ago, and even better value than it was two weeks ago.
So, I would advise staying calm, continue investing as you always have, and consider purchasing shares at more favourable prices.
With that in mind, here are two of my top ASX picks right now.
Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD)
The Corporate Travel share price dropped by a massive 12.4% today on the back of severe losses over the last couple of weeks.
Other travel companies such as Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB), Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) have also taken significant hits to their share prices. This has been in response to fears that domestic and international travel will be impacted over the coming weeks and possibly months due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus.
While there is no doubt that Corporate Travel will see its bottom line impacted by the outbreak, I think the market reaction has been too harsh. I believe Corporate Travel is well placed for further share price growth over the medium to long term due to its diversified business model and exposure to global growth opportunities outside its local markets.
So, I think the current market correction gives investors the opportunity to snap up this quality company at a bargain price. However, be prepared for more market volatility in the short term.
A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)
The a2 Milk share price has remained more resilient to many other companies in the current market sell-off. This comes on the back of strong recent financial performance, driven by strong growth in infant formulas sales.
a2 Milk is witnessing rapid growth in China, with sales of its China label infant formula doubling in the six months to 31 December 2019. In addition, the company's Liquid Milk business continues to grow strongly in Australia and New Zealand.
On top of strong current demand, a2 Milk anticipates strong revenue growth for the remainder of this year, driven by increased marketing investment in China and the USA.
