How to Invest in US Stock Market from India

Investing in the US stock market can be a great way to add asset classification and geographical diversification to your investment. A diversified portfolio has the potential to earn higher returns and secure better financial growth. 

 

With the rise of online trading platforms and the ease of opening brokerage accounts, you can now access the US stock market. However, the process can seem more daunting and complex than it is, especially for beginners. Read on to learn how to invest in the US stock market from India.

Before investing, knowing the different options available is essential. There are two answers on how to invest in the US market from India, as explained below:

 

Direct Investments

• Through a trading account with US-based broker

Direct investments in the US market require you to open a brokerage account. You can open the account with a US-based or Indian broker that provides access to US markets. The process varies depending on the broker you choose.

 

Generally, it involves completing the necessary paperwork, providing proof of identity, address, and income, and agreeing to the broker's terms and conditions. The broker will then provide access to the US stock market and trading platforms like desktop and mobile trading apps.

 

Direct investments offer greater control over your investments, as you can choose which US stocks to invest in and when to buy and sell them. However, direct investments can also be riskier, and simply knowing how to trade US stocks from India would not be enough.

 

You need to understand the market, company performance, and the competitive landscape to make informed investment decisions. Moreover, direct investments involve higher transaction costs, such as brokerage fees and foreign exchange charges.

 

Indirect Investments

Indirect investments involve investing in mutual funds, ETFs, and ADRs. Mutual funds and ETFs pool investments from multiple investors to create portfolios focused on the US market.

 

• ETFs and Mutual Funds

In mutual funds, professional fund managers oversee the funds and make investment decisions on behalf of the investors. Conversely, ETFs are passive investment vehicles that track a specific US stock market index, such as the S&P 500.

 

• ADRs

Another indirect investment option is American Depository Receipts or ADRs for short. US Banks issue ADRs that represent ownership in a foreign company's shares. ADRs allow you to invest in US-listed stocks without opening a brokerage account or converting currency into US dollars. 

 

However, it is important to note that ADRs are also subject to foreign exchange charges and transaction fees. Also, indirect investments involve management fees charged by mutual funds and ETFs, which can reduce your returns over time.

Now that you know how to buy US shares from India, understanding its costs can enable you to make an informed decision. Investing in the US stock market involves various charges, such as brokerage fees, foreign exchange charges, and taxes. 

 

• US-based brokers may charge a commission for each trade, ranging from $0 to $10 per trade, depending on the broker you choose.
• Additionally, you need to be aware of foreign exchange charges since you need to convert rupees into US dollars to invest in the US stock market.
• Taxes are another important consideration that you cannot overlook. Indian investors are subject to both US and Indian tax laws.
• Under US tax law, the dividend income earned by Indians is subject to taxation. 

 

As per Indian tax laws, your investment may be subject to capital gain taxation. However, the DTAA protects your investment earnings from double taxation. Under this agreement, you can claim a Foreign Tax Credit for the dividend tax levied as per US tax laws.

Now that you have the answer to, ‘how can I invest in US stocks from India?’, here are some essential things to keep in mind when investing in the US stock market:

• Conduct Thorough Research 

Before investing, do your due diligence and research the company's financials, market trends, and competitive landscape.

• Diversify Investments 

It is essential to diversify investments to minimise the risk. Therefore, consider investing in a mix of avenues that have different risk profiles. Few of these are US stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and ADRs.

• Strategies for the Long-Term 

Investing in the US stock market requires patience to see growth in the long run. As such, you should have a long-term investment strategy, avoid being swayed by short-term fluctuations, and stay focused on your goals.

• Stay up-to-date 

You should stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments that could impact your investments. Various tools and resources brokers provide can help you track your investments, such as real-time stock quotes, portfolio trackers, and market news feeds. This lets you know when exiting or staying invested is a good idea.

 

Investing in the US stock market from India can be a rewarding experience, provided you put in the time and effort to research and make informed decisions. Whether you choose to invest directly or indirectly, remember that investing involves risks, and there are no guarantees of returns.

 

However, with the potential for high returns and a diversified portfolio, you can grow your wealth by investing in the US stock market. By staying up-to-date with the latest market developments and taking a long-term investment approach, you can unlock the full potential of the US stock market and achieve your financial goals.

Before delving into how to trade in the US stock market from India, understanding why it is good for your financial growth is crucial. A key reason to invest in the US stock market is its market capitalisation of over $40 trillion. This makes it one of the largest and most liquid markets. 

 

Moreover, it is home to some of the world's biggest companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. So, investing in the US stock market allows you to tap into the growth potential of these companies and potentially earn higher returns than you would with investments in the Indian stock market.

 

Another advantage is that it helps in diversifying your investment portfolio. Diversification is essential because it mitigates the risk by spreading your investment in different sectors. This enables you to maximise your returns by capitalising on the performance of various industries and economies.