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 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 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.
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.
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.
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:
Before investing, do your due diligence and research the company's financials, market trends, and competitive landscape.
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.
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.
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.
No, Indian investors cannot invest in the US stock market directly without a broker. Instead, you must use a brokerage firm to buy and sell stocks.
As an Indian investor, you must have a PAN card and a valid bank account to invest in the US stock market. Additionally, as required by the brokerage firm, you may need to submit other documents, such as a passport or proof of address.
There is no fixed minimum investment requirement to invest in the US stock market from India. It varies depending on your investment option and the broker you choose. However, there is a yearly maximum limit of 2,50,000 USD under LRS.
Investing in the US stock market, or any market for that matter, involves risks. But there are ways to minimise them. One way is to diversify your portfolio by investing in multiple companies across different sectors. The other is to thoroughly research the companies and monitor market trends to make informed investment decisions.