I Live in the U.S. How Can I Trade Stocks in China and India? (2024)

Globalization has led to some exciting developments. Markets around the world are now much more connected than they were before, allowing businesses and investors a chance to tap into investment opportunities they could never access from a distance. Countries like China and India, which were once closed to foreign investors, present potential growth opportunities for people who want to invest their money beyond their own borders.

While the U.S. maintains its number one rank as the largest world economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP), both China and India consistently rank high in the top world economies. It's because of the rising status of both nations that many investors are interested in the foreign investment potential of these countries.

So what's the best way to put your money into foreign markets like China or India? Read on to find out more about how you can tap into these parts of the world.

Key Takeaways

  • Buying stocks directly in a foreign market like India or China is possible, although it might be harder than purchasing domestic shares.
  • Investors can purchase American Depositary Receipts on U.S. exchanges, which are certificates that represent shares in a foreign company.
  • China A-shares are open to foreign investors.
  • Mutual funds and ETFs are less risky ways to gain exposure to foreign markets.

How to Approach Foreign Markets

There are a few ways to invest in foreign markets. The direct approach is to buy stocks in those countries. However, buying shares that trade on exchanges outside your home country or that of your broker can be harder than trading domestic shares. If you are looking to invest in a foreign company listed on a foreign exchange, the first thing to do is to contact your brokerage firm and see whether it provides such a service.

If it does, the firm will need to contact a market maker or an affiliate firm located in the country in which you want to buy the shares. However, even if the firm provides this service, it may not be able to gain access to the specific shares you want. In that case, the alternative would be to try to set up a brokerage account with a firm in that foreign country.

ADRs and A-Shares

One way to tap into the foreign market is to look into American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). These are certificates issued by U.S. banks that represent a specific number of shares in a foreign company. These certificates or receipts trade on American exchanges just like regular stocks. They trade in U.S. dollars, so there are none of the usual hassles that stem from foreign exchange.

The underlying assets are held by the U.S. bank or financial institution overseas. And just like domestic publicly-traded companies, these foreign corporations are required to provide U.S. banks with regular, updated financial statements.

If you're looking to invest specifically in Chinese companies, you can do so through China A-shares. These are shares of companies from mainland China that are listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. Because of China's restrictions on foreign investment, these shares were only available to Chinese investors for many years. But that restriction was lifted in 2002.

Understand the Risks

If you find a way to invest in other countries, you must also understand the risks associated with foreign investment. First of all, timely and accurate information about foreign companies is not available to the same degree as it is in the U.S.

Another concern is that the regulations in foreign countries can affect both your investments and any accounts set up in that country. For example, there may be restrictions on your ability to transfer funds from your foreign account to one in your home country or your funds may be taxed whenever you try to take them home. Being informed allows you to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of investing in a particular foreign market.

Look to Alternatives

Investors can also use instruments such as mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) as less risky ways to gain exposure to foreign markets. There are many of these investment products that cover a wide range of regions around the world, such as Latin America or Asia ex-Japan.

These instruments can be actively managed or tied to an exchange, but in either case, they offer exposure to a country, diversification, and management expertise. They can also be easily purchased through any discount or full-service broker.

I Live in the U.S. How Can I Trade Stocks in China and India? (2024)

FAQs

I Live in the U.S. How Can I Trade Stocks in China and India? ›

If you are looking to invest in a foreign company listed on a foreign exchange, the first thing to do is to contact your brokerage firm and see whether it provides such a service. If it does, the firm will need to contact a market maker or an affiliate firm located in the country in which you want to buy the shares.

How to invest in Chinese stocks from US? ›

If you want to invest in Chinese stocks, there are three ways to do so:
  1. American Depository Receipts and Chinese A-shares. ...
  2. Invest through a market maker or affiliate firm. ...
  3. Purchase shares of mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. ...
  4. Open a brokerage account. ...
  5. Decide what type of security you want to purchase. ...
  6. Buy shares.
Feb 9, 2023

Can you trade US stock market if you live in another country? ›

So, you may be wondering if you can get in on that. Luckily: Yes, you can be a non-U.S. resident, living in America or living in your own country, and you can buy and sell U.S. stocks. In fact, trading U.S. stocks is sort of encouraged among international investors.

How can I trade stocks in India from USA? ›

To have access to the Indian stock market from the US, you will have to either open an account with an international brokerage firm regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or open an account with a SEBI-registered Indian stockbroker.

Can you trade stocks in different countries? ›

Many leading stock exchanges are based outside of the U.S., offering investors potential to expand and diversify their portfolios with securities in both emerging and well-established markets. Global diversification can help you manage risk and position your portfolio for long-term growth.

Can a US citizen buy stock in China? ›

Buying stocks directly in a foreign market like India or China is possible, although it might be harder than purchasing domestic shares. Investors can purchase American Depositary Receipts on U.S. exchanges, which are certificates that represent shares in a foreign company. China A-shares are open to foreign investors.

Can Robinhood be used in China? ›

Can I access my account while I travel overseas? You can access your Robinhood account in almost all countries, with the exception of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine.

What countries are restricted by TD Ameritrade? ›

TD Ameritrade restricted countries: Australia, EU countries, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, UK, and many others.

Do foreigners pay capital gains tax on US stocks? ›

In short, foreign investors do not have to pay capital gains taxes to the US government on sales of American stocks. Instead, they will have to pay capital gains taxes in their home country. Every country has its own capital gains laws, some of which are more favorable to investors than others.

Is Schwab expat friendly? ›

Account Features for U.S. Expatriates

As a U.S. citizen living abroad, you'll enjoy a number of advantages with Schwab, including: Convenient access to your money through U.S. dollar–denominated checks, debit cards, and the Schwab MoneyLink® Electronic Funds Transfer Service.

Can a US citizen open a demat account in India? ›

Non-resident Indians

Yes, NRIs can also trade in Indian capital markets by opening a Demat Account with a DP or depository participant of their choice.

Can I invest in India from USA? ›

Repatriation: NRIs can invest in the Indian market on a repatriation basis using their NRE or FCNR account. Investment on repatriation basis means an investment, the sale/ maturity proceeds of which are, net of taxes, eligible to be repatriated out of India.

What is the best Chinese ETF? ›

Best-performing China ETFs
TickerName5 Year Return
CHIEGlobal X MSCI China Energy ETF9.29%
KBAKraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF6.91%
KGRNKraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF4.07%
KFYPKraneShares CICC China Leaders 100 Index ETF3.43%
3 more rows
May 1, 2023

Can I buy foreign stocks on Fidelity? ›

What you can do. Trade in 25 countries with the flexibility to settle in either U.S. dollars or the local currency. Exchange between 16 different currencies, offering you the potential to capitalize on foreign exchange fluctuations. Trade domestic and international stocks in a single account.

How to invest in Chinese stocks from India? ›

Let us note that Chinese stocks are currently available for NetTradeX accounts. Before making an investment, a demo account can be opened, especially if you are new to this specific market. After having some practice and getting used to the Chinese market you can open a Real account in NetTradeX and start trading.

How to buy Hong Kong stocks in US? ›

Investors in the United States can select Hong Kong stocks listed as American depository receipts (ADRs) on their home stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Nasdaq or from over-the-counter (OTC) exchanges. Some popular Hong Kong ADRs include AIA Group Ltd.

Can I buy Hong Kong stocks on Robinhood? ›

Sign up for a Robinhood brokerage account to buy or sell HKD stock and options commission-free. Other fees may apply. See Robinhood Financial's fee schedule to learn more.

What allowed the US to trade in China? ›

The U.S. trade with China is part of a complex economic relationship. In 1979 the U.S. and China reestablished diplomatic relations and signed a bilateral trade agreement. This gave a start to a rapid growth of trade between the two nations: from $4 billion (exports and imports) that year to over $600 billion in 2017.

Can US citizens own Hong Kong stock? ›

HKEX operates securities and derivatives markets that are open and free and welcomes the participation of investors from all over the world. However, overseas investors should comply with regulations governing overseas trading in their own countries or places of residence before trading in Hong Kong.

What platform to trade Chinese stocks? ›

Intro and winners
  • Interactive Brokers is the best international online brokers in China in 2023. ...
  • XTB - Commission-free stocks/ETFs for some. ...
  • TradeStation - Great web and mobile trading platform. ...
  • Admirals (Admiral Markets) - Low forex CFD fees. ...
  • CITIC Securities - Low fees on Chinese markets.

What is the Chinese version of Robinhood? ›

In China, the Robinhood equivalent is a Hong Kong-based, publicly traded brokerage firm - Futu Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:FUTU). FUTU operates a reliable, commission-free, and user-friendly brokerage platform named Futu NiuNiu (FutuBull).

What are the best Chinese stocks to buy? ›

Comparison Results
NamePricePrice Change
BABA Alibaba$83.98$1.79 (-2.09%)
JD JD$35.06$0.74 (-2.07%)
NTES NetEase$87.43$0.39 (0.45%)
BIDU Baidu$124.28$0.46 (-0.37%)
5 more rows

Can Indians trade on Ameritrade? ›

You can also open an overseas trading account directly with a foreign broker with a presence in India. Some such brokerages are Charles Schwab, Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, etc.

Can US expats use TD Ameritrade? ›

TD Ameritrade opens accounts to residents of over 100 countries. The few exceptions include the European Union, Canada, and Australia, but “there are lots of buts and ifs on it”. 2. Interactive Brokers opens accounts to residents anywhere.

How much does TD Ameritrade charge for foreign stocks? ›

*$0 commission applies to online U.S. exchange-listed stocks and ETFs. A $6.95 commission applies to online trades of over-the-counter (OTC) stocks which includes stocks not listed on a U.S. exchange.

Do you have to report foreign stocks to IRS? ›

Foreign stock or securities, if you hold them outside of a financial account, must be reported on Form 8938, provided the value of your specified foreign financial assets is greater than the reporting threshold that applies to you.

Do I have to pay capital gains tax in two countries? ›

As an American living abroad, you may be required to pay a capital gains tax to a foreign government when selling a foreign property. Of course, this could create a risk for double taxation—being taxed twice for the same capital gain, once by the US and again by a foreign government.

Do US citizens have to pay taxes on foreign investment income? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States and you live abroad, you are taxed on your worldwide income.

Can I keep my TD Ameritrade account if I move abroad? ›

On the flip side, many U.S. banks, brokers, and 401(k) providers will only work with customers who have U.S. addresses because they want to steer clear of foreign regulatory laws. So many Americans living abroad have found their accounts shut down by brokerages including TD Ameritrade, Vanguard and Fidelity.

What is the best international brokerage account? ›

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is hands down our top choice for the Best Online Broker for International Trading.

What happens to my brokerage account if I leave the US? ›

U.S. expat brokerage account restrictions vary between brokerage firms. Some firms let clients keep their existing brokerage account once they have moved overseas but will not permit clients to open a new brokerage account due to residency in a foreign country.

Can OCI open a Demat account? ›

Yes, US-based NRIs are allowed to open demat account in India. An NRI Demat account can be opened by a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) living in any country abroad.

What will happen to my Demat account if I move abroad? ›

As an NRI, you can continue to invest in the Indian stock market, but your account status has to change. While you can convert your Savings Accounts to a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Savings Account and your Fixed Deposit Accounts to NRO FDs, you won't be able to switch your Demat Account.

Can NRI have 2 demat accounts? ›

An NRI, at any point in time, can hold multiple demat accounts under their name. In fact, if you're a regular investor, you can choose to open all the above three NRI demat accounts - one for repatriable investments, another for non-repatriable investments, and a third for investing in the secondary market.

Is it better to invest in India or USA? ›

Volatility. When compared to Indian markets, the US markets have been less volatile in the long run. Indian equities have shown great volatility, with bigger swings in returns over the years. This is another reason experts recommend diversification when it comes to investing, since risks are spread out and diminished.

Can I retire with 5 crores in India? ›

Calculating retirement corpus

You may use the retirement calculator online to find out how much money would be enough by the time you retire. Corpus needed at the time of retirement: ₹17,92,30,104. The myth that ₹5 crores would suffice for your retirement is nothing short of a myth.

How to invest 50 lakhs in India? ›

How to invest 50 lakhs for monthly income in India – Top 5 Investment Options in 2023, India
  1. Fixed Deposits (FD) ...
  2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) ...
  3. Senior-Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) ...
  4. Corporate Deposits. ...
  5. Government Bond.
Dec 19, 2022

Does Vanguard have a China fund? ›

A registration statement for Vanguard China Select Stock Fund, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.
...
Investor SharesAdmiral Shares
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses10.83%0.73%
6 more rows

Can foreigners buy shares in China? ›

Can foreigners buy Chinese stocks? Foreigners can purchase the common shares of companies domiciled in China through a broker that offers American Depositary Shares (ADS).

What are 3 Chinese stocks to buy? ›

3 Chinese Stocks to Buy With Massive Growth Potential
BABAAlibaba$91.28
TCEHYTencent$44.61
JDJD.com$37.54
5 days ago

Can a US citizen buy international stocks? ›

Access international stocks via American Depository Receipts (ADRs). ADRs are certificates issued by U.S.-based financial institutions that represent a share of a foreign company's stock. They're traded just like domestic stocks on U.S.-based exchanges, meaning you don't need a special brokerage account to access them.

Can I trade foreign stocks on TD Ameritrade? ›

Place online trades for virtually any domestic stocks, international stocks via ADRs1, or initial public offerings (IPOs)2 whenever TD Ameritrade is a member of the selling group and you qualify.

How much does Fidelity charge for foreign stocks? ›

Please note there may be a foreign transaction fee of 1% included in the amount charged to your account.

Where to invest in India or China? ›

Recent performance means that Chinese shares are far cheaper than Indian shares relative to their earnings, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.5 on the MSCI China index compared with 26 on the MSCI India index, as of the end of 2022.

How can foreigners trade Indian stocks? ›

The Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) allows NRIs to invest in the Indian stock market, under repatriation or non-repatriation basis, through a registered broker. PIS-enabled NRI accounts are used for trading and investment in India.

Are Chinese stocks a good buy for Indian investors? ›

In terms of valuations, Chinese stocks are still not very cheap enough to buy," said Menaka Reddy, associate, Investment Research, Stockal, a fintech enabling Indians to invest in foreign stocks. However, some experts see the fall as a buying opportunity for investors with a long time horizon.

Can a US citizen buy Chinese stock? ›

You can also buy A-shares, meaning shares from companies from mainland China listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. To invest in these companies, you can purchase shares of ADRs through a U.S. broker.

Does TD Ameritrade allow Hong Kong stocks? ›

TD Ameritrade mainly targets US investors but also accepts clients from different countries. Clients from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are redirected to other TD Ameritrade websites, while users from Canada will be directed to TD Direct Investing, a different company than TD Ameritrade.

Can foreigners invest in stocks in China? ›

Foreigners Investing in Chinese Stocks

Professional foreign investors however can invest in Chinese companies through ADRs, ETFs, mutual funds, A Shares (through the QFII program), B Shares, H Shares (Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks), VIEs, and by collaborating with Chinese businesses in mainland China.

How do I get into the Chinese stock market? ›

Invest in Chinese stocks via a broker that offers access to Hong Kong-listed & Chinese mainland-listed stocks. To get access to the myriad of Chinese companies that don't have ADRs, you'll need to sign up to a broker that provides access to stocks listed in Hong Kong or mainland China exchanges (or both).

What is the difference between red chip and H share? ›

The letter H stands for Hong Kong. Red chip companies are enterprises that are incorporated outside of the Mainland and are controlled by Mainland Government entities. The most important difference between a red chip company and an H-share company is that a red chip company is not Mainland-incorporated.

Is it safe to invest in China? ›

Some of the risks associated with investing in China include its communist structure, regulatory differences, and insider trading. Investment opportunities in China include U.S. corporations that have a presence in the country, mutual funds, and ETFs.

Does Vanguard allow international trading? ›

You can use just a few funds to invest overseas. Each of these funds gives you access to a wide variety of international securities in a single, diversified fund or ETF. View the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund , which holds more than 7,700 non-U.S. stocks.

What is the Chinese equivalent of the S&P 500? ›

Bloomberg Ticker : SPC500CP

The S&P China 500 comprises 500 of the largest, most liquid Chinese companies while approximating the sector composition of the broader Chinese equity market.

Who owns Vanguard China? ›

Vanguard is owned by the funds managed by the company and is therefore owned by its customers.
...
The Vanguard Group.
TypePrivate
AUMUS$8.1 trillion (2022)
OwnerClients
Number of employees18,800 (Jan 2022)
Websitewww.vanguard.com
8 more rows

Which is the most expensive stock in China? ›

China's Most Expensive Stock Moutai Hits Record High. (Yicai Global) June 23 -- Shares of Chinese liquor distiller Kweichow Moutai, the mainland's most valuable company, jumped to another record high this morning. The stock price [SHA:600519] rose 3 percent to CNY1,482 (USD209.

What is the major Chinese stock exchange? ›

It is one of the three stock exchanges operating independently in mainland China, the others being the Beijing Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Shanghai Stock Exchange is the world's 3rd largest stock market by market capitalization. It is also Asia's biggest stock exchange.

What Chinese stock is like Amazon? ›

Two companies operating in the same sector are popular picks among investors. One of these stocks is China's giant, Alibaba Group Holding Limited, whilst the second one is a U.S. corporation, Amazon.com, Inc., although both of the companies can be called international.

Is now a good time to invest in China stocks? ›

Invest in China as consumer spending rebounds

Asset managers believe that one of the reasons to invest in China now is because the country has witnessed a steady revival in consumer spending in 2023 so far.

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