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Investing overseas, particularly in the world's largest market, provides opportunities for diversification and long-term wealth generation.

 

The U.S. stock market is among the most aggressive and attractive markets worldwide - many global and evolving companies with high growth potential list themselves on U.S. exchanges.

 

This blog discusses how to buy U.S. shares in Australia, like Apple shares, stock-investment tips, and compares the top online brokers to get started for beginners.

 

If you still need a share trading account, consider , which is used by many investors in Australia and worldwide. You can create an .

 

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The trading platform offers extensive trading features, social trading tools, and copy trading to imitate the trades of other famous traders.

 

 

1. What Is So Attractive About The US Stock Market?

 

There are plenty of reasons why investors worldwide are .

 

 

Market Cap

 

The U.S. stock market is the largest, most impressive liquid, and most efficient globally, making up around 50% of stock market capitalization. Its welcoming governing environment attracts non-US companies to get listed.

 

For instance, the NYSE lists the Chinese tech giant Alibaba (BABA), which gives solid competition to Amazon.

 

 

Invest In The Top Global Companies

 

The U.S. stock market gives you access to some of the from other countries, including:

 

• Entertainment: Netflix (USD 210 billion)

• Computers: Apple (USD 1.61 trillion) and Microsoft (USD 1.54 trillion)

• E-shopping: Amazon (USD 1.49 trillion)

• Social Media Networks: Facebook (USD663 billion)

• Automobiles: Tesla (USD280 billion)

 

 

Innovation

 

As many innovative companies are listing them on the U.S. market, you can invest in these emerging companies and obtain higher long-term returns.

 

 

Fractional Investing

 

Another benefit of investing in U.S. stocks is that you get to . It is helpful for investors who don't have enough money to purchase expensive shares in prominent companies like Apple or Amazon.

 

 

Portfolio Diversification

 

Investing in a range of U.S. firms or indices from Australia gives you geographic and sectoral diversification.

 

If one sector doesn't perform well in a year, you could still get returns from another market. It helps you spread the risks across various stocks and ensure safe returns.

 

Moreover, it is a lucrative prospect for Aussies who want exposure to companies or sectors that may be underdeveloped in Australia or need to better representation on the ASX.

 

 

Stable Returns

 

Regarding performance, the has outperformed the ASX 200 over the last decade.

 

As per S&P Dow Jones Indices, the S&P 500 has delivered average yearly returns of 12.84% in the previous ten years, whereas the ASX 200 has returned 7.06% yearly in the last ten years.

 

Though the past results do not guarantee future performance, it indicates the dominance of U.S. markets that makes investors historically drawn to it.

 

 

2. What Is The S&P 500?

 

The Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500) was introduced in 1957 and track the performance of the 500 largest publicly traded U.S. companies. These companies constitute around 70% of the stock market in the U.S.

 

who want to diversify their investment portfolio with U.S. stocks can either on the S&P 500 list or invest in an S&P 500 index fund on the ASX.

 

Australia's S&P 500 index fund represents the most recognisable and well-established companies traded on the .

 

These companies have large market capitalizations, and many are market leaders in the most prominent industries of the U.S. economy.

 

As the S&P 500 index is market-cap-weighted, companies with higher market caps make up a significant percentage of the portfolio.

 

 

3. The Pros And Cons Of Investing In The S&P 500

 

Before investing, it is worth considering the pros and cons of :

 

 

Pros:

 

• Get exposed to the most influential and stable companies representing a large global equity market share.

• Benefit from the long-term competitive performance of stocks that expects to record positive long-term growth.

• The S&P 500 offers higher share diversification than the S&P/ASX 200. You can instantly diversify your portfolio by buying stocks of leading global companies.

• Ease of investing in the S&P 500 index fund. You don't require researching to pick the best-performing stocks and get the freedom from timing the market.

• Reduce your investment risks, as S&P 500 companies are usually more resilient in market downturns and crashes.

 

 

Cons:

 

• The S&P 500 includes only stocks of large-cap companies in the U.S. companies. You don't get exposure to small-cap or mid-cap stocks that grow fast than their large-cap counterparts.

• Another drawback of trading in U.S. stock from Australia is the conversion fee that exposes you to currency fluctuations that could take up a large chunk of your return. 

• When investing internationally, you need to consider the exchange rates. The value of the Australian Dollar compared to the U.S. Dollar can vary, which can impact your investment value when buying and selling.

 

 

4. Steps To Invest In U.S. Shares From Australia

 

Before starting the investing procedure, here are a few things to remember:

 

• Note that you deal with an overseas exchange with different tax implications. As U.S. stocks do not subject to the Australian dividend imputation system, you can't receive franking credits from U.S. dividends.

 

• U.S. shares are subject to Australian capital gains tax. You need to show the sale proceeds on your tax return if you earn profit from the stock sale.

 

• As U.S. stocks are traded in USD, you must convert your AUD into USD before buying your U.S. shares.

 

• The U.S. has multiple exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ), and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

 

 

Follow These Five Steps To Buy US Shares in Australia:

 

 

Step 1: Select A Trading Platform

 

Compare based on the below features to find the right one for your needs:

 

• Commission fee

• Quality of information offered, such as research and market reports.

• Facility to make fractional investments in expensive stocks.

• Ease of investing

• Minimum transaction amount

 

If you still need a share trading account, consider , which is used by many investors in Australia and worldwide. You can create an .

 

eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 promoted by eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Capital at risk. See and .

 

The trading platform offers extensive trading features, social trading tools, and copy trading to imitate the trades of other famous traders.

 

 

 

Step 2: Open And Fund An Account

 

Complete the application form with your details and submit it with supporting documents (driving licence or passport) for details verification. Next, and link a bank account for funding.

 

Usually, online brokers that offer U.S. stock accept payments only in U.S. dollars. So, you must deposit AUD into your account and pay a conversion fee to the broker.

 

 

Step 3: Research Investment Options

 

Analyse the market and you want to invest in. The U.S. stock market comprises three exchanges where NYSE and NASDAQ are the biggest.

 

NYSE lists only blue-chip companies, such as Berkshire Hathaway, Citigroup, Visa, UnitedHealth, etc., while NASDAQ comprises only tech companies, including Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Meta, etc.

 

You can't invest directly in the S&P 500 companies. However, you could buy an index fund that tracks the S&P 500 or through an exchange-traded (ETF) or mutual fund that tracks the S&P 500.

 

The S&P 500 index fund exposes you to the top companies of the S&P 500. It is a great way to add instant diversification to your stock portfolio. Several ETFs give Aussie investors simple and easy access to all the S&P 500 shares or specific shares of the S&P 500.

 

You can compare available options to select the best ETF based on their historical performance, expense ratio, and constituting shares.

 

The beloe are some ETFs that track the S&P 500 in Australia:

 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

• BetaShares S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (QUS)

• ETFs S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF (ZYUS)

• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)

• Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

 

 

Step 4: Make The Investment

 

Once you have decided on a suitable investment based on your research, it is time to buy it on the .

 

Enter the respective symbol of the ETF or index fund in the search bar, specify the buying quantity with a market order, or use a limit order, place the stop loss, and complete the purchase.

 

The ideal duration for the trade settlement is two business days from the date of buying or selling an ETF.

 

 

Step 5: Monitor The Performance Of Your Investment

 

Your work doesn't end with completing the purchase. You must check your investment periodically to ensure it aligns with your objectives.

 

 

5. What Are The Most Popular US Stocks?

 

The the 500 biggest global companies offering a broad exposure to the U.S. equities market.

 

Some of the most popular companies listed in the S&P 500 index are:

 

• Alphabet (GOOGL)

• Apple (AAPL)

• Disney (DIS)

• Amazon (AMZN)

• eBay (EBAY)

• Microsoft (MSFT)

• Facebook (F.B.)

• Netflix (NFLX)

• Twitter (TWTR)

• Tesla (TSLA)

 

 

 

6. Can Anyone Trade US Stocks?

 

There is no citizenship requirement to own shares in a U.S. company. It implies that anyone can trade or invest in the U.S. stock market.

 

However, brokerage firms may require additional documentation from international investors, including legitimate visa information, tax documents, and proof of identity, to comply with their internal rules. They accept paper filings instead of online application forms to open a .

 

Furthermore, overseas investors must deal with taxation issues to trade/invest in U.S. stocks. Usually, non-residents pay a 30% tax on their investment income, typically withheld at the source by the brokerage firm.

 

Foreign investors must provide the W-8BEN tax form when working with a web-based brokerage account. It enables them to access their accounts from anywhere and at any time.

 

Not being a U.S. resident shouldn't keep you from investing in U.S. stocks. Please be aware of additional requirements you need to fulfil. can help ensure your investments comply with applicable laws and help you through the investment process.

 

If you can't find a broker, you can get the help of foreign financial institutions to open brokerage accounts and access U.S. stock exchanges.

 

 

7. Tips For Buying US Stocks In Australia

 

Have you been considering trading in the U.S. market? Ensure you do your research and make investment decisions based on your circumstances.

 

Here are a few tips to assist you in your purchase:

 

• Tip 1: Start small, as it helps you manage your risks.

 

• Tip 2: Understand how trading in USD works before investing in U.S. stocks.

 

• Tip 3: Determine your risk factors and set a limit order for stock purchase or sale. Those with a low-risk tolerance could consider ASX-listed ETFs tracking US stock indexes. You won't need to sign up for an overseas share trading platform to trade on the ASX and reduce the risk of currency fluctuations and investment in an unknown market.

 

• Tip 4: Research the U.S. stock market before deciding how and where to buy the stock. It includes market trading hours, trading rules, tax implications, etc.

 

• Tip 5: Based on where you live and the type of U.S. exchange you invest in, look for a trading platform that lets you set up alerts to notify you when the stock price reaches a specific price point.

 

• Tip 6: Analyze the market and follow its movements and trends, as it will help enhance your possibilities to earn a profit from investing in U.S. stocks from Australia. Most brokers offer advanced charting and research options, real-time news and updates, and more advanced features to help users make informed decisions.

 

• Tip 7: If you need more clarification, seek professional advice. 

 

 

8. Do Australians Pay Tax on US Shares?

 

Tax implications are different when dealing with a foreign entity than a home-grown investment. As US shares aren’t subjected to a dividend imputation system, you won’t receive franking credits from your US dividends.

 

According to the US taxation rules, you must pay a 15% withholding tax to the US Government on receiving your dividends. However, you can claim it at tax time.

 

Also, you have to pay capital gains tax if you sell US shares for a profit. For this, you will require declaring the tax proceeds on the tax return at item 18 on your tax return.

 

You can claim a foreign income tax offset for the capital gains tax paid on the sale of US shares at item 20 on the tax return under foreign source income and foreign assets or property.

 

Furthermore, Australian investors who buy US shares must complete the W8BEN form mandatorily. Without this form, foreign investors are liable to pay a 30% tax on a share sale and a 30% withholding tax on dividends.

 

A completed W8BEN form eliminates the US tax for share sales and lowers the withholding tax on US share dividends to 15%.

 

 

9. Is it Profitable To Invest In US Stocks?

 

enables you to explore a much more comprehensive range of investment opportunities than what you would find in only Australia.

 

S&P 500 comprises some of the biggest companies in the world that have provided stable returns over the long term. The S&P 500 has had an average return of 11.38% over the last 40 years.

 

For instance - If you invest $100 per week or $5,000 per year for the next 40 years and assume you obtain a yearly return rate of 8%, you would walk away with $1.4 million. (no guarantee)

 

Thus, with enough investment capital and a long-term time horizon, you can be a millionaire through the market. Therefore, having a minimum exposure to the companies listed in the S&P 500 will help grow your portfolio.

 

Furthermore, can significantly help in diversification. However, it is essential to research and understand the company you wish to invest in.

 

Due to the growth in and lowering overseas investment costs than what it has been earlier, investing in global stocks has become largely accessible.

 

However, your investment style is the main factor in determining how to gain US market exposure. A more hands-off passive approach via ETFs could be ideal if you want to grow your money over a long period.

 

On the other hand, a more actively managed approach to investment will be suitable if you are looking to beat the market.

 

Always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk. The above are just some general options for educational purposes. All these options come with risk. This is not financial advice.

 

 

 

10. What Australian ETFs Cover The S&P 500?

 

Most exchange-traded funds (ETFs) listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) offer quick and convenient access to US markets.

 

Below is a list of the most popular ASX-listed ETFs that track the S&P 500 Index:

 

 

Other S&P500 ETFs in Australia include:

 

• BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Fund (Managed Fund): (UMAX)

• ETFS S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF: (ZYUS)

 

 

Always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk. The above are just some general options for educational purposes. All these options come with risk. This is not financial advice.

 

 

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

Can You Buy US Stocks Without A Broker?

 

Yes. ASX investors can buy U.S. stocks from the brokerage platforms of the four major Australian banks. Remember, the fees are steep compared to some trading apps offering commission-free service.

 

You could consider opening a trading account in any of these banks:

 

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) - Commsec trading platform. 

• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) - NABtrade platform 

• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) - Westpac Share trading platform

• Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) - ANZ Share Investing trading platform. 

 

Here is a quick breakdown of the commission charged by the Big Four banks for investing in U.S. stock from Australia:

 

 

 

Can You Buy The S&P 500 in Australia?

 

Yes. Here is the list of brokers that provide you with the facility to invest in U.S. stocks:

 

(eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 Capital at risk. See  and )

 

 

 

How Do You Open A US Stock Account?  

 

You need to open an overseas with an online broker that offers international shares.

 

As part of the application process, you must fill out an application form and fund your account with a minimum deposit of USD$10. Present ID proof documents for the identity verification process.

 

The exact application procedure varies among brokers, so make sure you go through the account opening guidelines of each broker, so you should be fine.

 

 

 

What Is The Minimum Amount To Buy US Stocks?

 

You usually need a minimum deposit of USD$10 to fund your account. According to U.S. regulations, day traders must have at least $25,000 in their trading account to perform day trading.

 

 

How Much Does It Cost To Buy U.S. Shares?

 

Usually, overseas brokers don't charge any commission on trades. However, you may have to pay other fees to buy American stocks in Australia.

 

Some of the fees include the following:

 

• Transaction fees

• Foreign exchange (F.X.) fee

• Currency conversion fees that consider the AUD-USD fluctuating rate

• Annual or monthly trading account maintenance fees. Brokerage fees vary between platforms, and most will have a different fee for overseas investment.

• Inactivity charges if you don't trade in 6 months or a year.

 

It is essential to carefully read the fine print before to avoid unplanned expenses.

 

 

How Can You Buy Shares In Australia on eToro?

 

The process of buying international shares is almost the same on all trading platforms.

 

Here is how you can buy shares via an account:

 

• Step 1: Open the  (eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 promoted by eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Capital at risk. Other fees apply. See  and )

• Step 2: Sign in to your eToro trading account

• Step 3: Click 'add funds' next to the account you would like to deposit into

• Step 4: Type the name of the company's stock or its ticker in the search bar.  of Apple company, type Apple or 'AAPL' in the search bar. To know how to buy Tesla stock in Australia, type Tesla or TSLA in the search bar.

• Step 5: Specify the number of stocks you want to buy

• Step 6: Choose between placing a limit or a market order. 

• Step 7: Confirm your stock purchase

 

 

Can You Buy U.S. Shares On Commsec?

 

Yes. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) operates Commsec, a major trading platform in Australia.

 

CommSec charges between AUD19.95 and AUD29.95 as brokerage fees for trades worth $10,000 and 0.31% of the total traded value above that amount.

 

The platform also charges an exchange fee of 0.6% on the currency conversion.

 

 

What Is The S&P 500 Equivalent in Australia?

 

If you want to , you should know the Australian version of the S&P 500. 

 

The S&P/ASX 200 index is a market-capitalisation-weighted index that tracks the operational performance of the 200 largest companies on the ASX.

 

 

Can You Invest In Vanguard S&P 500 in Australia?

 

Yes, Vanguard does have an S&P 500 ETF(VOO). It is designed to track the S&P 500 index’s performance.

 

This ETF isn’t listed on the ASX; you can only invest in it through the US stock markets. Australian investors can invest in this ETF through any New York Stock Exchange broker.

 

Always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk. The above are just some general options for educational purposes. All these options come with risk. This is not financial advice.

 

 

How To Invest in Apple Stock in Australia?

 

Apple Inc (AAPL) is a US tech giant that has surpassed the $1 trillion market capitalisation mark on Wall Street.

 

Aussies can buy shares in Apple in a few simple steps:

 

1. Compare that offer access to US stock markets. Find a platform with low foreign exchange and brokerage fees.

2. Fill out an application form and provide personal and financial details, such as your ID and tax file number, to open your brokerage account. Once opened, you can add money through a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.

3. Search for the share by “Apple” or ticker symbol AAPL. 

4. Buy now at the market price (with a market order) or later at a desired price using a limit order. Look into dollar-cost averaging, which involves purchasing the stock at consistent amounts and intervals to spread your risk.

5. Decide the number of shares to buy. If your broker allows, you may purchase a fractional share of Apple. 

6. Place the buy trade. Once it executes, you will see the stock in your investment portfolio. Buying a stock even entitles you to its dividends and shareholder voting rights.

 

Always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk. The above are just some general options for educational purposes. All these options come with risk. This is not financial advice.

 

 

How Much Tax Do You Pay on US Dividends?

 

Australia and the USA have a Double Tax treaty under which Australian residents who receive dividends from their US shares must pay a tax to the US government at a tax-withheld rate of 15%.

 

All Australian investors with US stock holdings must declare their foreign income (including dividend income you receive in the bank account or the trading app) on their Australian tax return.

 

You must mention it in item 20, Foreign source income and foreign assets or property. To avoid paying tax in Australia and the USA, you must claim a foreign income tax offset for the foreign tax you paid at item 20.

 

 

How To Buy Tesla Stocks in Australia?

 

Founded in 2003, Tesla (TSLA) is a globally renowned electric car maker in the US. It is one of the biggest listed companies in the US.

 

Australian investors can buy shares of this company either through a or through ETFs with Tesla exposure.

 

 

Through Stock Trading Platform:

 

When buying Tesla shares directly, you must compare and find the offering access to US stock markets. To open your account, verify your official IDs.

 

Next, add funds to your account. Decide how many stocks you wish to buy. Now search for Tesla by name or its ticker symbol (TSLA).

 

Place a market or limit order to buy the stock now or later. Check with your broker if it allows you to buy a fractional share of Tesla.

 

 

Through ETFs:

 

You can also invest in Tesla company through an ETF with Tesla exposure. Such ETFs comprise multiple stocks in various industries and companies, including Tesla.

 

It is a better option than buying individual Tesla shares that can expose you more to sudden market swings than if you have an array of investments called a diversified portfolio.

 

Tesla is listed on the Nasdaq Composite index, which means that the share is included in several global funds and investment trusts like S&P 500 ETFs and index funds.

 

Some ETFs that offer Tesla shares are:

 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

• Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares Hedged ETF (VGAD)

• BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)

• Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC)

• BetaShares Solar ETF (TANN)

• BetaShares Climate Change Innovation ETF (ERTH)

• BetaShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility ETF (DRIV)

• BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (QLTY)

 

Always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk. The above are just some general options for educational purposes. All these options come with risk. This is not financial advice.

 

 

 

What Is The Minimum Amount To Invest in US Stocks?

 

has been expensive and time-consuming for Australian investors.

 

The stock buying cost depends on the type of exchange you choose. Some exchanges don’t charge trading fees, while others may charge trading fees as low as $10.

 

Additionally, exchanges charge you a foreign exchange fee and an inactivity fee for investors who don’t trade regularly.

 

 

Top International Share Trading Platforms:

 

(eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 Capital at risk. See  and )

 

 

 

Is It Worth Investing in US Shares?

 

Though past performance doesn’t guarantee future success, the S&P 500 has been a substantial investment if you see historic returns.

 

It is one of the most secure investments due to its sheer market size and the exposure to some of the largest and most successful businesses with a robust track record of growth. Always do your research and assess your risk profile.

 

 

Top Benefits of Investing in US Shares:

 

• S&P 500 is the most significant and most liquid in the globe

 

• S&P 500 has outperformed the ASX200 over the last five years. Where the previous 10-year returns of the S&P 500 are 13.9%, the ASX 200 has returned 9.3% on average. Thus, investors could increase their returns by investing in it over the ASX 200. (Past performance does not guarantee future results.)

 

• is a good option when Australia’s economy isn’t performing well, the demand for the Aussie dollar declines, or investors lose confidence in the market.So, suppose you have invested only in ASX stocks and are not geographically diversified. In that case, your investments may yield negative returns during economic downturns. Thus, allocating some of your capital to US stocks will help protect your portfolio in such scenarios.

 

• Australian stocks tend to be more cyclical and sensitive to changes in commodity prices, interest rates, etc., than US stocks. By comparison, US stocks aren’t cyclical and “secular."

 

• Sectoral diversification is another benefit of . Whether it is lower investment risk or global portfolio diversification, US stocks offer t a world of opportunities.

 

• Almost 50% of the Australian share market comprises companies in the banking (NAB, ANZ, CBA) and mining sector (BHP, FMG, Rio Tinto). So, investing in ASX implies your portfolio mainly focuses on these sectors. A lack of diversification can be beneficial when these sectors perform well. However, if they experience a downside, it can lead to a loss in your investment value.

 

• The S&P 500 index comprises the 500 largest companies, wherein 27.3% belongs to the tech sector (both technology giants and emerging technology giants like Zoom, Crowdstrike, and Square). The rest is uniformly diversified across the board. 

 

 

10. Conclusion

 

Investing in US shares could help diversify your stock portfolio. It is one of many available options.

 

Ensure you learn the basics of investing, trading hours, taxation rules and regulations, and compare the investment platforms.

 

Also, always seek the help of a professional financial advisor before making any investment decision. Investing carries risk.

 

If you still need a share trading account, consider , which is used by many investors in Australia and worldwide. You can create an .

 

eToro Service ARSN 637 489 466 promoted by eToro AUS Capital Limited ACN 612 791 803 AFSL 491139. Capital at risk. See and .

 

 

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