From Malaysia, Wall Street feels like another world away. Yet you're eager to grab shares of Apple, Tesla, or the next viral TikTok stock. Does this sound familiar? Luckily, these days, owning US shares is almost as easy as ordering your Teh Tarik.
Your first step is selecting a broker, your trusted bridge to the US market. How to buy stocks globally
Sure, Malaysian banks offer global trading, but expect higher costs and tons of paperwork. International platforms like eToro, Tiger Brokers, and Interactive Brokers make things smoother. They have fun apps and inexpensive minimums. Don’t be bashful about comparing their websites for fees, convenience of use, and available stocks. Nothing wrong with a bit of window shopping.
Setting up an account isn't hard, but you'll need your passport, proof of address, and maybe even your tax ID. You will fill out forms online and send in your papers. Pro tip: clear, colored scans work best—avoid grainy or blurry images.
Funding your account unlocks the door to investing. You can transfer via bank, e-wallets, or credit card depending on your platform. Watch out for conversion fees and transfer costs. Those extra fees can slip in quietly like a mouse at a wedding.
Choosing stocks? Do your research. Reddit threads, YouTube videos, and blogs can be goldmines. Don't fall for stock symbols that just “look cool”. Diversify, unless you enjoy financial cliff diving.
Fun fact: Malaysians don’t pay US capital gains tax, but dividends are a different issue. Normally, the US withholds 30% on dividends, but filing the W-8BEN form can cut that to 15%. It may sound bureaucratic, but it’s worth it for a bigger bite of your dividend.
Last advice—take baby steps. Try it out. You don't have to buy a whole Apple share; fractional shares let you invest for less than the cost of a bowl of Laksa. Don’t skip on security: turn on 2FA. Say it with me—safety before trading.
In sum, buying US stocks from Malaysia is like ordering pizza online: it might take you five minutes to figure it out, but the gains could last you for years. Happy investing!