If you're finding it difficult to think of investment ideas at the moment, you're not the only one.
With so much turmoil in the world, even professional investors and the businesses themselves are grappling with uncertainty and low conviction.
This might mean it could be worthwhile clearing your mind.
And what better way to start from a clean slate than start considering ASX shares that you have never even read about, let alone considered buying.
Here's a pair of outside-the-square buy recommendations:
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The world is changing, once again
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, that type of energy seemed to fall out of favour around the world. Germany, for example, accelerated its plans to shut down its nuclear power plants.
But now, 11 years later, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered a rethink.
Continental Europe, facing a dire energy shortage from rapidly reducing its dependence on Russian gas, is reconsidering the value of nuclear power.
"The political momentum towards uranium as a clean and reliable energy source, particularly in Europe, is gathering pace," Red Leaf Securities chief John Athanasiou told The Bull.
Therefore he recommends buying shares in uranium producer Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN).
"The uranium company owns a 75% stake in the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia. The share price is highly correlated to the uranium price."
The Motley Fool's Matthew Farley agreed that Paladin shares are a buy.
"I believe that we're in the very early stages of witnessing a revival of nuclear energy and that the potential of these shares hasn't yet been priced in by the market."
Athanasiou believes Paladin's valuation will rise with uranium demand.
"We expect increasing uranium prices to be reflected in an improving share price moving forward."
Nothing better than pricing power during rampant inflation
Disposable protective glove maker Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) probably underperformed during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering its huge business in healthcare supplies.
But Athanasiou reckons the stock price's primed for a revival in the face of tougher economic times.
"During inflation, companies with pricing power tend to outperform," he said.
"Ansell, a leading manufacturer of protective industrial and medical gloves, has been able to pass on increasing production costs without any material impact on demand."
The Ansell share price is down almost 20% so far this year.
But because of its pricing power over its products, Athanasiou is optimistic.
"We're expecting the share price to outperform."
Ansell is polarising in the wider professional community. According to CMC Markets, five out of 13 analysts currently rate it as a buy, while seven recommend the stock as a hold.
