Guide to Investing in U.S. Stocks

1. Ever heard “home is where the heart is”? Well, sometimes, your investments need to pack up and take a trip. If you are in Malaysia and trying to gain access to U.S. stocks, your journey might be adventurous. I am not saying it’s rocket science, but it isn’t a piece of cake either. Let’s get to work and get through it together, shall get the facts we? But first stop on the investment journey: picking a broker. It’s like trying on a new pair of shoes — you want the right fit. Some brokers provide international accounts that cater to the global crowd. Look for brokers with a robust, easy-to-use platform; one that isn’t going to devour all of your savings with annoying fees. As for the account setup, now. It’s like signing up for the newest social media, but instead of cute kitten pics, you get potential investment returns. Have identification papers and finances at the ready; they do like to know who is putting money in what. It’s a little bit of paperwork, but just think of it as the homework you need to do to get into the big show. The next checkpoint is funding your account. Unlike shoving coins into a piggy bank, you may have to wire funds internationally. Watch out for currency conversion fees — they can sneak up on you like a ninja in the night. It’s about moving your Malaysian ringgit into the realm of the U.S. dollar without forking over a fortune. Once someone has funded their account, they are ready to start exploring the stock market. A plan is your best friend in this step. Are you going for the tech giants, or does the prospect of healthcare stocks tickle your fancy? Putting all your eggs in one basket, as Granny would say, has been avoided, while diverse portfolios have often done better. Well, you better be watching those market trends. The stock market does not stop for anyone — not on your birthday, not on public holiday. So it’s invariably wise to keep your ear to the ground about what’s gaining in interest and what’s tanking faster than a soufflé in a windstorm. End of the line — you don’t get to buy your stock. Nope, only just begun.) Track your investments continuously. Stocks are fickle friends — they have good days and bad days. Observe, discover and adapt accordingly. Sometimes, you need to cut and run; other times, patience is a virtue. And there you have it. You are set for trading U.S. stocks as a Malaysian, from stepping in, wire transfer to portfolio building. A new stock market and financial strategy are being woven. As the saying goes, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, one trade. So do it, take that step today.