Top stocks for 2021: 2 cheap UK shares I think could make me an ISA millionaire!

Want to get rich during the new bull market? I reckon these cheap UK shares could soar in value in 2021 and keep rising through the roof!

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.

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.

I don’t care about difficult economic conditions across the world. I’ve continued to buy UK shares for my ISA this year. And I plan to keep doing so in 2021 too.

Okay, the outlook for the global economy remains up in the air. But it did following the 2008/2009 financial crisis too. Back then, the banking system teetered on the brink of collapse, several eurozone nations faced bankruptcy, and broader economic conditions all over the world deteriorated.

Yet those long-term investors who were brave enough to stay the course made a fortune during the bull market that followed. Hundreds (if not thousands) of Stocks and Shares ISA investors even made millions. This is why I’m not going to stop buying for my own ISA in spite of Covid-19, Brexit, and the threat of trade wars elsewhere.

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer

History shows us that global share markets always recover strongly following market crashes. And brave investors who keep buying stand to make a killing in the process. This is how those aforementioned ISA millionaires set themselves up for life during the last decade.

2 UK shares on my ISA watchlist

Here are two top-quality stocks I’m thinking of buying for my own shares portfolio. I think they could rocket in value during the eventual bull market:

#1: BAE Systems

History shows us that defence budgets remain largely stable during economic upturns and downturns. If anything, I reckon the short-to-medium-term outlook for arms budgets is stronger today than it’s been in more recent downturns. The geopolitical environment is more dangerous than it’s been for decades, as the recent cyberattack on Western governments shows.

However, BAE Systems’ sinking share price in 2020 doesn’t reflect this fact. The good news is this provides UK share investors with a brilliant dip-buying opportunity. I reckon this FTSE 100 defence giant’s share price will rocket in the next decade. A low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10 times and a 5% dividend yield as of today provides an attractive point for value investors to dive in at too.

#2: Ascential

Media companies are some of the fastest stocks to benefit from an upswing in the economic cycle. And this could make Ascential a blockbuster stock to buy for 2021. It’s a phenomenon which City brokers expect to deliver a triple-digit-percentage improvement in annual profits at the UK share.

Don’t think the exhibitions and information services specialist is just a terrific buy for next year. As I say, I buy UK shares with a view to making big returns over the long term. And Ascential has recently made a serious M&A moves to bolster its profit-making opportunities.

This month it bought China’s Hangzhou Duozhun Data Technology and Intellibrand of Brazil to boost its position in emerging markets as well as e-commerce. This stock trades on a forward price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 0.1 today. And this makes it an absolute steal.

Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. 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

Front view of aircraft in flight.
Investing Articles

Is it game over for the BP share price rally?

The BP share price has looked like a one-way bet in recent weeks as oil and gas prices soar but…

Read more »

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

Amid geopolitical and AI risks, here’s how I’m positioning my ISA and SIPP in 2026

Edward Sheldon explains how he's allocating capital within his investment accounts and SIPP amid the various risks to the market.

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

My game plan for the next stock market crash

Markets have been surprisingly resilient during the recent Middle East conflict but we still cannot rule out a stock market…

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Investing Articles

1 top growth stock to consider buying after it crashed 59%

This S&P 500 growth stock has fallen off a cliff lately due to AI software fears. Our writer thinks this…

Read more »

A mature woman help a senior woman out of a car as she takes her to the shops.
Investing Articles

Here’s how a 35-year-old putting £15 a day into an ISA could end up earning £18k+ of passive income annually!

A 35-year-old with no ISA but a willingness to invest relatively small sums could one day be earning many thousands…

Read more »

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

With the potential to double in 10 years, this could be a dividend stock to consider buying

With a yield of 7.2%, income investors might consider buying this stock. But reinvesting the dividends could deliver even more…

Read more »

Happy couple showing relief at news
Investing Articles

How much would someone need to invest in the stock market to target a £1,250 monthly second income?

Investing in the stock market can help deliver long-term wealth. But James Beard says it can also be a way…

Read more »

happy senior couple using a laptop in their living room to look at their financial budgets
Investing Articles

How much would someone need in an ISA to aim to treble the current State Pension?

Experts say the State Pension isn’t generous enough to provide a comfortable retirement. James Beard says the stock market could…

Read more »