How to Buy Stock on the International Stock Exchange

Choose your investment channel. If you're considering investing in the international stock market, most likely you already have a brokerage account in place. With international investments, it's best to have a knowledgeable adviser in your corner. If you've been going it alone up to this point, you might want to consider a full-service brokerage firm or a fee-based service to help you navigate this new terrain. Understanding currency exchange procedures, regulatory requirements and overall portfolio management advice is much needed when investing in the international stock market.
Research the global stock market. Two types of markets dominate the global stock exchange: Mature markets--These include the United States, London and Europe. These are markets in which growth potential is small. The corporate market momentum has pretty much stabilized.Developing markets--These markets are called BRIC economies and include the countries of Brazil, India, China and Russia. These are developing countries, and so their corporate market growth potential is large.You would think the developing markets would be the wise investment choice; however, developing countries are prone to frequent economic and political change. Changes like these impact the corporate structure of a country’s market system and can drastically improve or depreciate the value of a stock investment.Mature markets offer stability but little opportunity for growth. The potential for technological advancement within a mature market system is, however, a possible growth opportunity. Take some time to get a feel for the economic and political climates of the countries you’re looking to invest in. Changes in a country’s leadership, talk of intercontinental alliances or the potential of war or upheaval are things to look for when considering how stable an investment will be.
Match portfolio needs with international stock type. There are several different investment packages to consider when choosing international stocks. You can invest in a specific oversees company, or you can invest in a group of companies or even a group of countries.The main types of investment options offered by brokerages are:American depositary receipts (ADR)--These allow investors to invest in international stocks without buying into a foreign exchange.Exchange-traded funds (ETF)--These are, in essence, mutual funds that can be traded just like individual stocks.International funds--These are similar to exchange-traded funds. The only difference is they’re handled by a portfolio manager, and all decisions are made by the portfolio manager.Foreign securities--This is when an investor purchases international stock directly from his broker’s international trading desk.
Choose your broker carefully. More oftentimes than not, U.S. brokers who trade on the international market are trading through domestic market makers. The market maker is the middleman, and he’s the one who’s actually carrying out the trade exchange. As such, market makers make a profit off your investment monies. This is an extra cost that can best be put toward the investment stock itself.Instead, look for brokers who deal directly with oversees traders. Of course, they’ll charge a trading commission, but this charge is substantially lower than what goes to a domestic market maker.
Track currency exchange rates. Investing in oversees stock means your U.S. dollar will be converted to whatever a country’s currency is. The drawback here is not all currencies are created equal.Translating your U.S. dollar into a foreign currency rate means price quote amounts, dividends and fees will be altered to reflect the difference of value in the currencies in play. Make it a point to understand the currency exchange rates that apply to your portfolio makeup and incorporate them into your investment budget planning process.

How to Buy Stock on TSX

Decide how you wish to access and control your stock investments. Large financial institutions and banks (e.g. the Royal Bank of Canada and TDAmeritrade) offer stock accounts linked to the individual's general savings account. The bank then manages the investments for the individual and returns the profit in a manner similar to interest or a money market. The contrasting option is opening an investment-only accounts. This generally gives the individual investor more control over buying and selling decisions and is typically the best choice for first-time investors in the TSX.
Create an account with your financial institution (for linked investment accounts) or investment-only account. For the former, contact your banks customer service department to learn how to link an investment account with your current savings account. If you are choosing to buy stocks through an investment-only account, choose an online stock broker. Online stock brokers offer flexibility and discounted rates to individual investors that larger stock broker firms do not. Examples include ING Canada and Questrade Canada. Links to these institutions are included in the Resources section of this article.
Setup a payment plan for your investment account. If it is linked to your savings account, the Canadian bank will simply withdraw funds from your savings. If you have an ING Canada account or similar plan, you will be required to link the investment account to a credit card or bank account.
Research the TSX stocks in which you wish to invest. The TSX is known for featuring a large array of oil- and energy-focused companies, but general consumer and automobile companies are also listed on the TSX. Consult a financial adviser or solicit recommendations from a fellow investor on which stocks historically perform well.
Invest in TSX stocks and track your progress. Like all stock markets, the value of the TSX can fluctuate widely within the perimeters of a single, 24-hour day. Be vigilant and understand the inner mechanisms of a stock market by reading guidebooks and taking financial seminars. The more educated you become, the better your TSX stocks will perform.