Forget a Cash ISA! I’d invest in these 2 FTSE 100 shares today to make a million

I think these two FTSE 100 (INDEXFTSE:UKX) shares could offer high returns due, in part, to their low valuations.

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Opening a Cash ISA could lead to long-term disappointment. Even the best rates available are lower than inflation, which means the spending power of your capital may fall over the long run.

By contrast, the FTSE 100 offers a relatively high dividend yield of over 4%. The index could also deliver impressive levels of capital growth, with its track record showing it’s likely to overcome the near-term risks currently faced.

As such, now could be the right time to invest in these two FTSE 100 stocks. They could offer high returns that ultimately improve your prospects of making a million in the long run.

GSK

The prospects for pharmaceutical companies, such as GSK (LSE: GSK), could improve over the coming years. A number of factors, such as an ageing world population and increasing urbanisation, may contribute to increasing demand for the company’s products. This could lead to a potential tailwind for the business as it embarks on a more focused strategy that has seen it dispose of a number of major consumer healthcare brands.

In addition, GSK may become a more popular stock among investors due to its relatively low correlation with the wider economy. At a time when investors are fearful about events such as Brexit, US political risks, and a global trade war, healthcare companies may seem to be a resilient means of generating growth.

With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.5, the company appears to offer good value for money compared to its sector peers. Its dividend yield of 4.6% is roughly in line with the wider index, but could grow at a fast pace due to favourable operating conditions over the coming years.

Compass Group

The financial performance of support services company Compass Group (LSE: CPG) over recent years has been highly impressive, as well as consistent. It has recorded an annualised rise in net profit of over 10% in the last five years, delivering growth in every year during the period.

Its consistent performance could attract investors who are looking for increasingly dependable returns during a period where global economic risks are heightened. Compass Group is forecast to record a rise in net profit of 9% in the current year, which suggests that its overall strategy is working well.

The company continues to make bolt-on acquisitions that could enhance its financial outlook. Its financial position suggests that there’s scope for it to engage in further M&A activity, while its recent strong performance in the US could continue as it seeks to widen margins in many of its key markets.

From a long-term risk/reward perspective, Compass Group appears to have strong appeal. It could offer a mix between impressive growth and relatively resilient returns that increases your chances of generating a seven-figure portfolio.

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 GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK owns shares of and has recommended GlaxoSmithKline. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Compass Group. 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.

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