How to invest in US Stocks through Mutual Funds

The United States of America has attracted many Indians over the decades. Right from Hollywood movies and U.S. top songs to American food and fashion, there is a lot about the U.S. that Indians desire. The allure of the country has extended beyond its cultural influence and lifestyle aspects. Many Indians also want to invest in the U.S. economy. This can be done in a number of ways, each discussed in this article. If you wish to invest in U.S. stocks while in India, keep reading.

Ways to invest in the U.S. stock market from India

There are two ways to invest in the U.S. stock market from India – directly and indirectly. Here's how this works:

Direct investments 

You can directly purchase U.S. stocks with a trading account. You could open a trading account with a domestic or an international broker.

While not all domestic brokers facilitate international investing, some platforms may have tie-ups with stockbrokers in the U.S. The number of trades, fees, and choice of investments can differ from broker to broker, and it is advised to compare multiple platforms before selecting an option.

Some international brokers allow Indian investors to directly invest through their platform. You can research and compare these to pick out the most favourable one in terms of fees, investment options, convenience, etc.

Indirect investments

In addition to directly investing in U.S. stocks, there are indirect methods that allow individuals in India to gain exposure to international stocks. Here are a few options to consider: 

• Mutual funds: Mutual funds offer a convenient way to invest in the U.S. stock market without directly purchasing individual stocks. There are mutual funds specifically designed to invest in U.S. equities. S. focused mutual funds can offer exposure to a diversified portfolio of U.S. stocks across various sectors.

• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):Similar to mutual funds, ETFs provide indirect access to the U.S. stock market. ETF trade directly on stock exchanges, just like individual stocks. They aim to track the performance of specific indices or sectors for eg: U.S.-focused ETFs invest in a broad range of U.S. stocks or particular sectors, such as technology, healthcare, or finance.

 How much can I invest in U.S. stocks?

Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), each Indian resident is allowed to invest up to $250,000 (or an equivalent amount in other currencies) in a financial year for various permissible purposes. If you are living and earning in India, you can invest in U.S. stocks, the equivalent of roughly INR 2 crores in a financial year.

Along with the transaction limit, you must also be wary of the charges and taxes involved in international investing before making a decision.

What are the different charges involved while investing in U.S. stocks?

You may be charged a variety of fees, such as account opening fees, transaction costs for buying and selling stocks, management and administration fee for mutual funds, foreign exchange rates at the time of purchase or withdrawal, etc. In addition to this, you will also be subject to the following taxes: 

• Dividends earned from U.S. stocks are levied with a flat 25% tax in the U.S. They will be taxable in India as well but you can claim a foreign tax credit under the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

• Capital gains earned in the U.S. do not incur any tax liability. However, you will pay taxes on capital gains in India. There are two types of capital gains tax – long-term and short-term. Long-term capital gains earned from U.S. stocks held for more than 24 months are currently taxed at 20% plus applicable surcharge and fees. Short-term capital gains earned from U.S. stocks held for less than 24 months are taxed at your current income tax slab rate based on your total taxable income in India.

 Despite the taxes and charges, there are several reasons to invest in U.S. stocks. Let's get to them in the next section.

 Reasons to invest in US Stocks from India

• Investing in U.S. stocks can offer diversification benefits with exposure to a different economy and geography. You get to invest in the world's largest economy and grow financially with globally recognised companies.
• You can invest in innovation-driven companies known for their technological advancements globally.

 Even with the advantages, it is essential to keep some things in mind to avoid hassles.

 Things to remember before investing in U.S. stocks from India

• It is important to research well on the companies you plan to invest in.
• You must compare different brokers and their fees and charges to select the most cost-effective option.
• Consider the impact of exchange rates on your investment returns, as any fluctuations in the value of the Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar can affect your overall returns.

 Conclusion

Remember that investing in stocks, whether Indian or U.S., involves risks. Therefore, make informed decisions, start small and try to gain as much experience as you can. It is also essential to set realistic expectations.

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