In the current economically uncertain environment, it's difficult to figure out which S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are traps and which are genuine bargains.
That's why it could pay to be vigilant about which stocks the professionals are interested in buying at the moment.
After all, they have far more time to research the underlying businesses than us amateurs, right?
Here are two ASX 200 buy picks from Marcus Today market analyst Matthew Lattin to consider:
Global demand for energy is insatiable
The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price has risen 11.6% since the start of the year.
Even though sales have been down the past quarter, the world faces an ongoing energy crisis due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a rapidly expanding middle class in nations like China and India.
"Sales revenue in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 fell by 18% on the prior quarter," Lattin told The Bull.
"Updated production volume guidance narrowed to between 89 million and 93 million barrels of oil equivalent from previous guidance of between 89 million to 96 million barrels of oil equivalent."
The positive for investors was the cost guidance remained unchanged.
But the clincher for Lattin is how Santos has specific growth drivers.
"Santos' Barossa project is now 66% complete and is on track for first gas production in 2025," he said.
"The effective delivery of Barossa is a key growth catalyst."
Incredibly, Lattin's peers are in unanimous agreement.
All 17 analysts surveyed on CMC Markets currently rate Santos as a buy, with 11 of them classifying it as a strong buy.
'Higher interest rates should support earnings growth'
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares are now trading almost 20% higher than where they started 2023.
As investment markets pick up over the next couple of years, the wealth management platform will benefit.
Lattin pointed out already that it ended the final quarter of the 2023 financial year on "a strong note".
"Funds under administration reached $70.3 billion in fiscal year 2023, an annual increase of 26.3% on the previous corresponding period."
That's just an omen for what's to come, according to Lattin.
"The latest results may reflect improving financial markets and inflows by advisers and clients. Higher interest rates should support earnings growth."
