How to Buy US Shares in Australia

With the United States having the largest stock market in the world, it’s only natural that Australia investors are drawn to this international market to diversify their portfolios and buy into some of the biggest names on the planet.

How to Buy US Shares?

If you have decided to trade shares in Australia then you will need to open an Account with a broker that offers this service. There a few things you need to be aware of when opening an account, they are:

W8Ben form: Ensure that you have signed a W8Ben form, or ensure that the broker you’re opening an account with has incorporated this into the application. The W8BEN form determines if you are foreign person for US tax purposes.

Currency: Since you are buying US shares you will be subjected to positive and negative moves in the AUD compared to USD. Some brokers will allow you to trade in USD but you will eventually need to convert back to AUD when you bring the funds back to Australia.

When You Trade US Shares in Australia…

The New York Stock Exchange trading hours is something you will need to take into consideration as well. The New York exchange opens in the very early hours of the morning Australia time so you will either need to be a night owl if you want to trade actively or your broker should allow you to place orders during the Australian day time.

Learn more about brokerage fees and more when you buy US Shares in Australia.

Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared solely for the information of the particular person to whom it was supplied by Phillip Capital Limited AFSL 246827 and/or Phillip Capital Trading Pty Ltd AFSL 246796 (together “PhillipCapital”). 

This publication contains general securities advice.  In preparing the advice, PhillipCapital has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person.  Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether the advice in this publication is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial situation.  PhillipCapital and its associates within the meaning of the Corporations Act may hold securities in the companies referred to in this publication.  PhillipCapital believes that the advice and information herein is accurate and reliable, but no warranties of accuracy, reliability or completeness are given (except insofar as liability under any statute cannot be excluded). No responsibility for any errors or omissions or any negligence is accepted by PhillipCapital or any of its directors, employees or agents.  This publication must not be distributed to retail investors outside of Australia.

It is recommended that you seek independent advice and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision in relation to any investment. Any advice contained in this communication is general and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person.