If I had a spare $1,000, here's where I'd invest in the stock market now

I think these ASX shares could be great options for investors with cash burning a hole in their pocket.

Key points
  • If I had some spare money I would put it into the stock market
  • One option I would consider is a leading tech company
  • The other is a growing retailer focused on youth fashion

If I had a spare $1,000, I would look to put it to work in ASX shares.

After all, although savings accounts are offering improved interest rates, this still doesn't come close to the potential returns on offer in the stock market.

But which ASX shares would be good options for this $1,000? Two that I would seriously consider are listed below:

A businesswoman weighs up the stack of cash she receives, with the pile in one hand significantly more than the other hand.

Image source: Getty Images

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

I think Altium could be a great ASX share to buy. It is a software company that focuses on electronics design systems for 3D PCB design and embedded system development.

The Altium Designer software is regarded as the best in the industry and is used by leading electronic design teams from companies and organisations such as BAE Systems, Dell, Microsoft, NASA, and Tesla.

The company also has a number of businesses that complement its core offering. These are the NEXUS collaboration platform and the Octopart electronic parts search engine. Business has been booming for the latter recently because of parts shortages.

Altium certainly has come a long way over the last decade, but it still has plenty of growth ahead. For example, in the near term, the company is aiming to achieve US$500 million in revenue by 2026. This is more than double FY 2022's revenue of US$220.8 million. Furthermore, with management aiming to improve its margins over the same period, there's potential for its earnings to grow at an even quicker rate.

And while Altium's shares are not cheap at 68 times trailing earnings, and therefore carry a lot of risk, I still believe they represent good value relative to its growth outlook.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX share that I would invest $1,000 into is Universal Store. It is the fashion retail company behind the eponymous Universal Store brand. It also has the Perfect Stranger brand in its portfolio and recently completed the acquisition of Byron Bay-based fashion brand Thrills.

I think Universal Store is one of the best options in the retail sector right now. Not only are its shares attractively priced at 13 times estimated forward earnings, but the company appears better positioned than most for growth in the current environment.

This is thanks to its target market being younger consumers, which are expected to continue spending in 2023 due to increases in the minimum wage and their lack of exposure to rising interest rates.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Altium. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Altium. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Growth Shares

A young farnmer raise his arms to the sky as he stands in a lush field of wheat or farmland.
Growth Shares

PLS Group vs Zip: Which ASX share could be a 10-bagger?

Which of PLS Group and Zip is better positioned to deliver truly explosive long-term returns? Here’s my candid take for…

Read more »

Happy girl holding a plant and soil in front of ascending piles of coins.
Growth Shares

3 ASX 200 shares I think could rise more than 10% in a year

I think these three ASX shares have enough going for them to outperform over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Two colleagues looking at a graph and comparing share prices.
Growth Shares

These 3 ASX shares have the ingredients of long-term compounders

These shares could be well-positioned for growth in the future. Let's see why.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Experts are loving the excitement of these stocks.

Read more »

Hour glass next to pile of coins and notes.
Growth Shares

2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

These investments have very exciting futures.

Read more »

a graph indicating escalating results
Growth Shares

A rare buying opportunity in 1 of Australia's top shares?

I think this is a great time to invest in this stock…

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Growth Shares

A leading fund just bought these top ASX 200 shares

These stocks could be top buys today…

Read more »

Man with hand to his forehead looking at his laptop.
Growth Shares

Droneshield vs Zip Co: Which tech share is the better ASX growth pick?

I unpack Droneshield vs Zip shares to reveal which ASX tech stock looks better for growth-focused investors right now.

Read more »