Top stocks for 2021! 5 UK shares I think could help me to make a million

These five UK shares could offer high returns in the long run. They could help an investor to make a million in a stock market rally.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Making a million by investing money in UK shares has been a popular pursuit for many years. It takes time to build a seven-figure portfolio. But obtaining the stock market’s high-single digit annual returns on a regular basis could turn a modest monthly investment into a seven-figure portfolio.

For example, assuming the same 9% annual total returns delivered by the FTSE 100 since inception in 1984 would turn a £500 monthly investment into a million in just over 30 years.

Of course, it’s possible to generate higher returns than the wider stock market over the long run. Here are five shares that could offer impressive returns that help an investor to build a seven-figure portfolio.

Should you invest £1,000 in Cavendish Financial Plc right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Cavendish Financial Plc made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Long-term growth opportunities among UK shares

While many UK shares are experiencing tough operating outlooks at the present time, their business models could be a good fit for the economy’s future prospects. For example, online-focused companies such as Rightmove and Auto Trader could benefit from the increasing popularity of using mobiles and laptops to search for various products, including property and cars.

Clearly, they’re experiencing significant challenges in the short run due to coronavirus restrictions. However, they appear to have solid financial positions and have sought to help their partner businesses in recent months. This could also provide additional goodwill as the economy recovers, while their dominant market positions may lead to resilient sales and earnings growth in the coming years.

Recovery opportunities after the stock market crash

Other UK shares could offer strong recovery potential after the 2020 stock market crash. Certainly, in the short run, they may experience further difficulties due to a weak economic outlook. However, financially-sound businesses with dominant market positions may stand a good chance of ultimately recovering.

As such, banking shares such as Lloyds and Barclays could offer investment appeal at the present time. They have improved their financial positions in the past decade. They’ve also been able to make inroads into cost reductions to improve their efficiency. While low interest rates may not provide optimal operating conditions over the coming months, the price declines of banking shares could factor this in.

Defensive growth opportunities

AstraZeneca could also deliver impressive returns relative to other UK shares. The company has defensive characteristics that have been a key reason for its resilient financial performance since the start of the current crisis. It also has long-term growth potential as the world population ages and increases in size. This may catalyse its financial performance in the coming years.

Through buying companies such as those mentioned above within a diverse portfolio of shares, it’s possible to generate relatively high returns. Over time, they could help a portfolio reach seven-figure status at a faster pace than if it was invested in an index fund.

Should you buy Cavendish Financial Plc now?

Don’t make any big decisions yet.

Because Mark Rogers — The Motley Fool UK’s Director of Investing — has revealed 5 Shares for the Future of Energy.

And he believes they could bring spectacular returns over the next decade.

Since the war in Ukraine, nations everywhere are scrambling for energy independence, he says. Meanwhile, they’re hellbent on achieving net zero emissions. No guarantees, but history shows...

When such enormous changes hit a big industry, informed investors can potentially get rich.

So, with his new report, Mark’s aiming to put more investors in this enviable position.

Click the button below to find out how you can get your hands on the full report now, and as a thank you for your interest, we’ll send you one of the five picks — absolutely free!

Grab your FREE Energy recommendation now

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Peter Stephens owns shares of AstraZeneca, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Auto Trader, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, and Rightmove. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
Investing Articles

Are International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) shares a brilliant bargain or a value trap?

International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) shares look like a steal based on predicted earnings. But could they be a potential value…

Read more »

British coins and bank notes scattered on a surface
Investing Articles

With an index-busting 5.9% dividend yield, is Aviva an income share to consider?

Aviva has grown its dividend per share annually in recent years and its yield far outstrips the FTSE 100 average.…

Read more »

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
US Stock

£2k invested in Adobe stock at the start of the year is now worth…

Jon Smith takes a look at Adobe stock's performance as it tries to take advantage of AI development and stay…

Read more »

Santa Clara offices of NVIDIA
Investing Articles

Up 46% in weeks, can the Nvidia share price keep soaring?

A soaring Nvidia share price has helped it regain its crown as the world's most valuable listed company. Our writer…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

How to turn £100,000 into an instant £7,450 second income

Investing in property has been popular with investors looking to earn a second income. But buy-to-let houses aren’t the only…

Read more »

Investing Articles

BAE Systems shares have soared 275% in 5 years – it’s also a secret dividend superstar!

When we think about BAE Systems shares, most of us think about all the growth they're likely to deliver. But…

Read more »

A senior woman and young girl help out in the greenhouse at the local farm.
Investing Articles

The B&M European Value share price falls heavily on results day. Is it now a buy for me?

With the B&M European Value share price down 10% following the release of disappointing results, this writer considers the likelihood…

Read more »

Close-up image depicting a woman in her 70s taking British bank notes from her colourful leather wallet.
Investing Articles

Here’s a way to aim for a £5,000 or more annual income from a Stocks and Shares ISA

Dreaming of retiring on a comfy income from a Stocks and Shares ISA? Many investors have turned such dreams into…

Read more »