While the FTSE 100 may have a mixed track record when it comes to producing capital growth, the index could be poised to deliver high returns in the coming years.
Although it has experienced a decade-long bull market, the index appears to offer a wide range of stocks with low valuations. This suggests that its future prospects could be bright at a time when the world economy is forecast to grow at a rapid rate.
Through investing in high-quality FTSE 100 stocks that have exposure to fast-growing economies, it may be possible to boost your portfolio returns, build a £1m ISA and retire early.
Growth potential
As mentioned, the FTSE 100’s past performance has been somewhat underwhelming when compared to other major global indices. Even though it has produced annualised total returns of around 9% in the last decade, the S&P 500 has recorded total annual returns of around 14% during the same period.
Furthermore, the FTSE 100 trades less than 1,000 points higher than it did 20 years ago. Certainly, dividends have meant that its total return is positive since 1999, but investors aiming for capital growth during that time have been left feeling disappointed.
This though, could mean that the FTSE 100 is ripe for growth. It appears to offer a wide margin of safety when compared to other major global indices, despite the fact that the majority of its constituents’ sales are generated outside of the UK. This means that it has the capacity to trade on a similar valuation to other indices that are dependent on the world economy, since their members are likely to operate in the same economies.
Risks
While investing in the FTSE 100 includes the risk of capital loss, it is potentially lower than across the remainder of the UK stock market. Large-cap shares are generally better diversified than their smaller peers, and have balance sheets that are stronger. This can mean that they are less susceptible to risks such as losing a major customer or experiencing a difficult set of trading conditions in a specific economy.
As such, investing in the FTSE 100 could produce an appealing risk/reward ratio for many investors. In other words, it appears to offer high potential rewards given its risks. And, though diversification, it is possible to reduce overall risk even further.
Outlook
Clearly, the FTSE 100 is unlikely to post perpetually high returns that are unchecked by risks such as Brexit and a global trade war. But for investors who are seeking to build a £1m ISA, the index could be a realistic option due to its low valuation and the growth prospects that it offers.
With a wide range of its members having strong earnings growth forecasts and solid balance sheets, now could be the right time to buy a range of large-cap shares. They could boost your financial prospects and enable you to retire early.
