How to Buy US Stocks in Nigeria

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How to Invest in US Stocks in Nigeria:

  • 1

    Firstly, you have to research and compare brokers in Nigeria

  • 2

    Register with a broker, for example RoboForex, by providing your ID and verifying your account

  • 3

    You must fund your live trading account before you can begin purchasing stocks

  • 4

    Search and select the shares you want to invest in and start trading

For Nigerian investors looking to expand their portfolio beyond local markets, investing in US stocks presents an excellent opportunity. As the largest economy in the world, the United States houses many innovative industry-leading companies that can help drive long-term growth. However, directly purchasing shares from Nigeria is no simple task.

In this guide, we will provide a clear and thorough overview of the options available for Nigerian residents wanting to access the US market. We'll examine the top international brokers that make this possible, comparing features from available securities to trading platforms. I'll also outline the account opening process and important considerations like minimum investment levels.

Additionally, we'll discuss investing through local Nigerian brokers for a perspective taking into account domestic regulations. Tax implications will also be addressed as this is an understandably crucial factor for all investors.

  • What is the minimum investment required to buy US stocks?

    Minimum investment amounts can vary depending on the brokerage, but are typically around $10-100.

  • How do I fund my international brokerage account?

    Most brokers accept funding via bank transfer, debit/credit card, PayPal, or electronic wallets like Skrill.

  • How do dividends from US stocks get paid out?

    Brokers process dividend payments and typically deposit funds into your trading account.

  • What stocks and indices are most liquid?

    Securities from large companies in the S&P 500 tend to have excellent liquidity. Indices like the Dow Jones, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 are also very liquid.

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Is it possible to invest in US stocks from Nigeria?

Yes, of course, but you don't need to have any special knowledge in order to invest in American stocks from Nigeria. This is as a result of digital brokers emerging, which enable users to access the market from anywhere, including Nigeria. Therefore, selecting your preferred broker is the only difficult decision.

Here are a few of the most effective ways for Nigerians to invest in US stocks:

With International Stock Brokers

To trade global stocks, Nigerian traders and investors can open an account with global online brokers or trading apps like Roboforex or IC Markets. These brokers offer a wide range of international securities for investors to trade. These securities include CFDs on international stocks, indices, ETFs, currency pairs, bonds, and so on.

Before registering with a global broker, a trader needs to check the licences held by such brokers. The best and safest brokers usually have licences from top-tier financial authorities such as the FCA of the UK or the ASIC of Australia.

The primary advantage of trading through a global online broker is that a trader can gain exposure in international securities. For example, a trader from Nigeria can speculate on Apple shares, which would not be otherwise possible.

However, there is a downside to trading with global online brokers. As most global online brokers are usually not regulated by Nigerian authorities or with any reputed regulators like FCA or ASIC and do not have a local presence in Nigeria. Hence, a trader can have no legal help in case an issue arises. So, these brokers are considered much less safe when compared to local bodies.

But there are few globally regulated online CFD brokers that have local offices in Nigeria and are licensed with European regulators like the FCA and CySEC. These brokers offer online forex trading in Nigeria and stocks and indices as CFD instruments. However, these brokers only offer international stocks & indices as CFDs; these instruments are only suited for experienced investors and day traders/speculators.

👍 Pros

Usually more stocks are available

Usually other key markets available (EU, UK etc)

Lower fees

👎 Cons

Not locally regulated usually

High withdrawal fees

With Local Brokers

To trade global stocks, Nigerian traders and investors can open an account with a local online broker. These local brokers offer a limited range of international stocks and a wide range of local stocks for investors to trade. The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission regulates stockbroking firms in Nigeria to ensure they provide a transparent, safe, and secure trading platform for investors. There are other regulatory authorities, like the CBN.

In order to trade stocks, and other securities through the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), a Nigerian trader or investor must have a stock trading account with a broker through which the trades can be made. First, you need to open a stock trading account at an NGX-licensed broker. The main advantage of trading stocks through the NGX is that it is a locally regulated body.

This means that there is no scope for unauthorised or unscrupulous behaviour by market participants. Hence, trading through local brokers is considered a safer option. In the event of an issue, a trader or investor can approach the SEC or local authorities in order to resolve the dispute.

👍 Pros

Locally regulated

Usually, more local stocks are available

Easy withdrawal methods

👎 Cons

Usually, less foreign stocks are available

Not regulated globally

How much should I invest?

The minimum amount required to invest in US stocks can vary depending on the brokerage firm you choose. Some brokers have no minimum investment requirements, while others may require a minimum deposit of $50 (36,500 naira) or more. You don't have to be a millionaire to buy US stocks; almost everybody can access an investment in the US stock market.

Additionally, it is indispensable to note that while you can purchase fractional shares, some brokers may have restrictions on the minimum amount you can invest in a single stock. It is always a good idea to compare the fees and minimum investment requirements of different brokerage firms before deciding where to invest your money. The alternatives that we presented before are very accessible.

Best brokers to buy US stocks in Nigeria

Below are the best stockbrokers in Nigeria, as analyzed by TradersUnion experts:

RoboForex

Open an account
Your capital is at risk.

RoboForex offers a wide array of products and services for those interested in investing. For instance, RoboForex offers tight spreads starting at 0 pips with low commissions. With the help of fast order execution via the best trading platforms, RoboForex MetaTrader 4 and 5, many traders assert that they offer exceptional Forex trading conditions. The companies offer up to 36 FX pairs, metals, and an array of CFDs.

RoboForex offers CopyFX, which is its copy trading platform. It allows users to engage in copy trading with a minimum deposit of $100. With a high level of personalization, users can control every step of their investment journeys.

It offers two ways of investing in the foreign exchange markets: 1) Become a Forex trader and trade directly in the market with the help of a Forex broker, and 2) Forex copy trading or CopyFX allows new users to begin trading immediately by copying the moves of professional traders.

Lastly, RoboForex offers over 12,000 stocks, Indices, and ETFs on bonds, securities, commodities, etc., which are available across six platforms. They are available in over 169 countries and in 10 different languages. This makes it a highly useful platform for Forex investors across the globe.

IC Markets

Open an account
Your capital is at risk.
Up to 75.93% of the broker’s non-professional clients incur losses when trading CFDs.

One of the top stock brokers for traders from South Africa is IC Markets, an Australian-based Forex CFD broker that is regulated. Through IC Markets, South Africa investors have access to over 10,000 securities from some of the most well-known companies in the world, including Facebook, Apple, and BHP Billiton. Additionally, you can trade over 730 large-cap stock CFDs with fast execution on the NASDAQ, ASX, and NYSE stock exchanges.

ASIC, FSA, and CYSEC are just a few of the numerous international financial regulators that oversee IC markets. In addition to stock trading, it is also possible to engage in Forex, futures, and commodity trading. Because of its high leverage, small spreads, and low commission costs, IC Markets draws traders. For a better trading experience, IC Markets offers traders three cutting-edge trading platforms: IC Markets MetaTrader 4, MT5, and cTrader.

888 MYR is the required minimum deposit amount. IC Markets provides traders with a minimum leverage of 1:20 and a maximum leverage of 1:50. Traders with a high-risk tolerance and the ability to trade with low volatility typically prefer high leverage, while those with small initial deposits prefer low leverage.

Trading fees at IC Markets are divided into various account types. The commission fees for the Raw Spread account, formerly known as the True ECN account, are 15.54 MYR per lot, while the commission fees for the Raw Spread account, also known as the cTrader Raw account, are 13.32 MYR per lot. The standard account is not subject to any commission charges.

Best stock trading apps in Nigeria compared

Broker Minimum Deposit Number of Stocks Commission Leverage

RoboForex

$10

Assets for copy trading

3000 stocks, + over 9000 CFDs

Regulator

From $0,009 per lot

Regulator

Up to 1:20

IC Markets

$200

Assets for copy trading

10,000+ stocks and CFDs

Regulator

Spread based

Regulator

Up to 1:20

How to start trading stock in Nigeria?

Starting to trade stocks can sometimes be a complex process that varies depending on the broker. However, here is a general step-by-step guide on how to start trading stock in Nigeria, according to TradersUnion:

  • 1

    Research and Choose a Broker: Start by researching and comparing different brokers to find one that meets your specific trading needs and requirements. Compare their fees, products, and regulatory compliance, and ensure the broker has a good reputation

  • 2

    Verify Your Identity and Residency: To open a brokerage account, you'll need to verify your identity and residency. This usually involves providing a government-issued ID, proof of address, sometimes a passport, and maybe a tax ID number. The exact requirements may vary depending on the broker

  • 3

    Complete the Application: Once you have chosen a broker and verified your identity, you will need to complete the account application. This will usually involve providing personal and financial information, such as your employment status, income, and investment goals

  • 4

    Complete any Necessary Regulatory Requirements: Depending on the broker, you may need to complete additional regulatory requirements. For example, some countries require permission from the banking regulator to transfer funds abroad, so you may need to get permission before opening your account

  • 5

    Fund Your Account: After your account is approved, you'll need to fund it with the required minimum deposit. This usually involves transferring funds from your bank account, eWallet, or credit card to your brokerage account. Most international brokers offer a wide array of deposit methods and various currencies. Look for a broker that offers your currency and a convenient deposit and withdrawal method

  • 6

    Start Trading: Once you fund your account, you can start trading in international markets. Keep in mind that different brokers may have different trading platforms, fees, and products, so familiarize yourself with the platform and the fees before making any trades

Is investing in US stocks worth it?

The US stock market has 500 of the largest companies listed on its exchanges. The S&P 500 index is based on the market capitalization of these companies listed on the NASDAQ and NYSE. The top 10 companies in this list, like Amazon, Tesla, Facebook, Alphabet (Google), Apple, Hathway, JP Morgan Chase, and others, have only outperformed themselves every year and account for 27.5% of the overall market capitalization.

If you are looking to invest long-term and secure steady dividends, you will definitely want a piece of these companies. However, the stock index SP 500 gives a 10% return on average, but you can lose money if you invest poorly.

What are the best stock trading brokers for beginners in Nigeria?

Roboforex and eToro are great choices for beginners because they offer commission-free trading for US stocks, very good educational materials, and a user-friendly platform with a large social trading network. Social trading allows beginners to learn from other experienced traders and even copy their trades, making it a good option for those who are just starting out in the world of trading.

Can I trade with an international stock broker?

Yes, you can trade with any international stock broker of your choice if they are well-regulated and accept clients from Nigeria, but you should be careful to follow local rules and regulations.

Do I pay taxes for stock trading in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, profits from stock trading are classified as Capital Gains Tax. Generally, any profit you make on the sale of a stock is taxable at either 0%, or 10% if you held the shares for more than a year, or at your ordinary tax rate if you held the shares for a year or less. Nigerian traders are not subject to any particular tax deductions. Still, every citizen should file their annual Personal Income Tax Return.

Team that worked on the article

Winnifred Emmanuel
Contributor

Winnifred Emmanuel is a freelance financial analyst and writer with years of experience in working with financial websites and businesses. Her expertise spans various areas, including commodities, Forex, stocks, and cryptocurrency. Winnifred tailors her writing to various audiences, including beginners, while also providing useful insights for those who are already familiar with financial markets.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).