How to Invest & Buy in US Stocks Markets from India

Are you an Indian investor interested in diversifying your portfolio with US stocks? With the growth of the US economy and the world’s largest stock market, investing in US stocks can prove to be profitable for Indian investors. But if you are new to investing in the US stock market, you might be wondering how to invest in the US stock market from India.

Investing in US stocks from India is now easier than ever before, because of advancements in technology and globalisation. As an Indian investor, you have a wide variety of options available to you, ranging from direct investment through an overseas trading account to indirect investment through mutual funds, ETFs, and mobile apps.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to buy US stocks from India. We will explore various investment options, discuss the charges and taxes involved, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding investing in US stocks from India.

Direct Investment

Direct investment in US stocks refers to the purchase of stocks listed on the US stock exchange. There are two ways for Indian investors to directly invest in US stocks:

By Opening a Foreign Trading Account with an Indian Broker

The first option for Indian investors to invest in US stocks is by opening an overseas trading account with a domestic broker. Indian investors can open an overseas trading account with a domestic broker like HDFC Securities, ICICI Direct, or Kotak Securities.

By opening an overseas trading account with a domestic broker, investors can invest in US stocks, just like they would invest in Indian stocks. The process is similar, and investors can buy and sell US stocks through the trading platform provided by the domestic broker.

By Opening a Foreign Trading Account with a Foreign Broker 

The second option for Indian investors to invest in US stocks is by opening an overseas trading account with a foreign broker. Foreign brokers like TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers allow Indian investors to open trading accounts and invest in US stocks.

Opening an overseas trading account with a foreign broker may involve more paperwork and verification than opening an account with a domestic broker. However, foreign brokers offer more comprehensive trading platforms, research tools, and access to a wider range of US stocks.

Indirect Investment

If direct investment doesn't suit your investment goals or risk appetite, you can consider indirect investment options such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mobile apps.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from several investors to purchase stocks, bonds, or other securities. When you invest in a mutual fund, you become a shareholder in the fund, and your money is managed by a professional fund manager. Mutual funds can invest in US stocks, and there are several mutual fund options available to Indian investors that focus on the US market.

To invest in US stocks through mutual funds, you can start by opening a mutual fund account with a fund house that invests in the US market. You can choose from several mutual fund categories, including large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and sector-specific funds. Depending on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, you can select the right mutual fund for your portfolio.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are similar to mutual funds in that they are also investment vehicles that pool money from several investors to purchase stocks, bonds, or other securities. However, unlike mutual funds, ETFs are traded on stock exchanges like individual stocks. ETFs can also invest in US stocks, and there are several ETF options available to Indian investors that focus on the US market.

To invest in US stocks through ETFs, you can start by opening a demat and trading account with a stockbroker that offers access to US stock exchanges. Once you have opened the account, you can search for US-based ETFs that align with your investment goals and risk appetite. You can buy and sell ETFs just like individual stocks, and the transaction charges are usually lower than those of mutual funds.

Online Apps

Several mobile apps allow Indian investors to invest in US stocks and ETFs. These apps provide a convenient and user-friendly platform to invest in US stocks and manage your portfolio. Some of the popular apps available to Indian investors include Webull, Stockal, and Vested.

To invest in US stocks through mobile apps, you can start by downloading the app of your choice and completing the registration process. You will need to provide your personal and financial details and complete the KYC (know your customer) process. Once you have completed the registration process, you can fund your account and start investing in US stocks and ETFs.

Charges and Taxes on Investing in US Stocks

While researching how to invest in US stocks, it is important to understand the charges and taxes involved, as well as the maximum amount you can invest. You should also keep in mind the geopolitical and economic factors that can affect the performance of the US stock market, such as interest rates, inflation, and political events.

Investing in US stocks may be associated with various charges and taxes that you need to be aware of. The charges can include brokerage fees, custodian fees, transaction charges, and foreign exchange charges. The tax implications of investing in US stocks can also vary based on several factors, including the type of investment, the holding period, and the country of origin.

To minimise the charges and taxes on investing in US stocks, you may consider strategies, such as investing in tax-efficient investments like ETFs, choosing a broker with low fees, and investing for the long term.

How Much You Can Invest?

The amount you can invest in US stocks depends on several factors, including your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. There is no minimum or maximum investment amount required to invest in US stocks. However, you should ensure that you have a diversified portfolio and do not allocate a significant portion of your assets to any single investment.

Conclusion

Overall, this article intends to help you know how to invest in US stocks from India can be a lucrative opportunity for those who are willing to do their research, understand the risks, and invest for the long-term. With the right approach, you can potentially grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals.

Direct investment through an overseas trading account requires you to open an account with a domestic or foreign broker, comply with regulatory requirements, and navigate through currency exchange rates, fees, and taxes. While this option gives you more control over your investments and potentially higher returns, it also requires more time and effort on your part.

Indirect investment through mutual funds, ETFs, and mobile apps is a more convenient and hassle-free option for those who prefer a hands-off approach to invest. These options allow you to diversify your portfolio, invest in a wide range of US stocks, and benefit from the expertise of professional fund managers. However, they also come with their own fees and risks, and you need to do your due diligence before investing.

Disclaimer

The investment options and stocks mentioned here are not recommendations. Please go through your own due diligence and conduct thorough research before investing. Investment in the securities market is subject to market risks. Please read the Risk Disclosure documents carefully before investing. Past performance of instruments/securities does not indicate their future performance. Due to the price fluctuation risk and the market risk, there is no guarantee that your personal investment objectives will be achieved.