Reputable brokers in South Africa offer profitable and straightforward services for investing in stocks, including U.S. stocks. Traders Union experts provide the answers on how to buy shares in South Africa and highlight the best brokers for successful investing in the country.
Investment in US stocks from South Africa
TU analysts point out that South African citizens have two options for investing in U.S. stocks: using either a local stock broker or an international stock broker. International brokers provide expanded access to global markets and a diverse selection of assets, but may not be locally regulated and may have higher transaction costs. On the other hand, local brokers offer specialized services for the local market, but have limited access to international markets and investment options. Investors should consider the pros and cons of each type of broker based on their individual needs and preferences. So how to invest in US stocks in South Africa?
What is the best investment amount for me?
Starting with just 965.53 South African Rand (approximately $50), investors can buy 1-2 cheap shares in South Africa. Statistics from Finder.com reveal that 20% of South Africans invest less than R8,500, while 5% invest between R8,500 and R35,001, 2% between R35,001 and R70,000, and 6% invest over R70,000. Some experts suggest a minimum of R5000 ZAR for a successful investment, but the actual minimum varies depending on the chosen broker.
Purchasing more shares is cost-effective, with brokers recommending lots of 50 or 100 shares for ease of accumulation and tracking. Alternatively, analysts at Traders Union say that investors can consider broad market index ETFs as a low-cost option to invest in the South African stock market.
South Africa’s best brokers for buying US stocks
TU analysts emphasize that to succeed in investing in U.S. stocks in South Africa, choosing the right stockbroker is crucial.
- RoboForex: Offers a wide range of products and services, including copy trading through CopyFX, with a minimum deposit of $100. They provide access to over 12,000 stocks, indices, and ETFs across six platforms.
- IC Markets: Ideal for active traders in South Africa, offering access to over 10,000 securities, including large-cap stock CFDs with fast execution on major stock exchanges. They provide high leverage, low spreads, and multiple trading platforms.
- Exness: Known for copy trading stocks, Exness is a large and trustworthy international Forex broker, offering low spreads and a range of trading accounts with variable spreads.
Selecting the right broker can significantly impact your investment journey and potential returns.
What is the best way to start trading stocks in South Africa?
Investing in U.S. stocks in South Africa can be both simple and daunting. To get started, you need to open an account with either a local or international broker, depending on the stocks you want to purchase. Here are some quick tips from Experts at Traders Union:
- Understand the stock market’s definition and workings.
- Learn how to trade shares and choose a trustworthy broker.
- Request access to price information for the stocks you want to trade.
- Build a diversified trading plan and analyze the market.
- Select a share or top ETF to trade, considering risks, charges, and available stocks.
- Complete the registration process for your chosen broker to open a share trading account.
- Look for stock trading opportunities and manage your positions carefully.
- When choosing an international broker, check fees, available currency pairs, and assets.
- Remember that buying stock abroad requires selling it there, with different commissions and fees for international trades involving U.S. stocks.
Conclusion
Investing in U.S. stocks in South Africa is made accessible by reputable brokers offering straightforward services. TU experts provided valuable information on buying shares in South Africa and highlighted the best brokers for successful investing.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka