Investing money in UK shares could lead to high returns over the long run. A number of high-quality stocks in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 appear to have scope to deliver capital gains.
Therefore while Bitcoin, gold and buy-to-let property may be popular investment destinations at the present time, a portfolio of British stocks could offer better value for money.
With that in mind, here are two stocks that could be worth buying today. They may improve your financial prospects and help to bring your retirement date a step closer.
Outperforming other UK shares
While many UK shares have declined in value this year as a result of the stock market crash, Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB) has gained over 20% in 2020. The consumer goods company has reported high demand for its products, with its half-year results showing a rise in operating profit of over 15%.
Looking ahead, the company appears to have sound growth prospects. It has invested in online sales opportunities so that it is in a good position to benefit from the likely shift in consumer demand towards e-commerce.
While Reckitt Benckiser now trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 23, its earnings growth potential could provide a further boost to its share price. With a diverse range of products and exposure to a variety of regions, it appears to offer an attractive risk/reward investing opportunity.
An improving outlook after a challenging period
The Associated British Foods (LSE: ABF) share price has followed other UK shares downwards this year. The owner of Primark has recorded a decline in its market valuation of 22% since the start of the year. It has been negatively impacted by store closures as part of lockdown measures.
However, the company recently reported that its sales performance has been strong since reopening. It has also experienced robust demand across many of its other segments, which has helped to support its overall performance.
ABF is forecast to post a rise in earnings of around 60% next year. It trades on a forward P/E ratio of around 16, which suggests that it offers a margin of safety relative to its past ratings. As such, now could be the right time to buy it within a diverse portfolio of UK shares while it continues to trade at an attractive price.
Buying Bitcoin, gold and buy-to-let
Of course, UK shares such as Reckitt Benckiser and ABF may experience an uncertain near-term future due to ongoing risks such as Brexit. However, their long-term growth prospects suggest that they offer a superior investment opportunity than gold and buy-to-let, which appear to lack value for money for new investors.
And with Bitcoin lacking fundamentals, investors seeking to retire early may be better off building a portfolio of British stocks while they seem to offer good value for money.