International investing
Broaden your horizons
Get direct access to the world’s leading markets with our easy, award-winning international investing service.
Important information: As investment values can go down as well as up, you may not get back all of the money you invest. Currency changes affect international investments, and this can decrease their value in sterling. If you’re unsure if an investment account is right for you, please speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
Why should you invest internationally?
International investing isn’t just about getting your slice of the world’s biggest brands, like Tesla or Nvidia. Our Head of Editorial, Lee Wild, points out that the main benefit is in spreading your investment risk.
“With exposure to a broader range of investments from across the world, you won’t be tying yourself to the fortunes of the UK - or any one market.”
International investing can be crucial to any well-balanced investment strategy, helping you reach your financial goals.
Why choose ii for international investing?
Get direct market access
Trade directly on the markets. This means greater transparency, real prices, full trading hours and access to IPOs and share splits when they happen.
Avoid FX fees
Hold cash in the same currency as the shares you buy and sell. Not only will you avoid paying unnecessary FX fees on every international trade, you’ll also earn interest on your USD and EUR balances.
Invest in real time
Access live pricing and international trading through our website and mobile app. Keep track of the markets you’re interested in and invest globally, whenever you want and wherever you are.
Best platform for international investing
Investors' Chronicle have named ii as a 4-star platform for international shares, adding to our wide range of investing awards.
Join over 450,000 others who trust us to deliver a truly global investing experience.
Explore our wide range of international markets
Get direct, real-time access to 17 global markets, from North America and Europe to the Asia Pacific.
How to become an international investor with ii
There are only three short steps to enter the wide world of international investing with ii.
Looking for international investing inspiration? Our experts keep a close eye on the world’s markets so you don’t have to. Discover the latest international market news.
1. Open any ii account
Trade international shares in our Stocks & Shares ISA, Trading Account and Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP).
2. Get set up for international investing
The process is quick and easy. Just complete our Exchange Agreement for access to live market prices. Then, if you have a Trading Account or Stocks & Shares ISA, submit a W-8BEN form. This lets you invest in US stocks at a lower rate of tax.
3. Research and choose your shares
Research is key to successful international investing. Always make sure you’ve done yours before placing any orders.
Invest internationally with any ii account
Trading Account
Is flexible investing your priority? The ii Trading Account offers this aplenty. Add and withdraw your cash as needed to invest in global markets. Hold multiple currencies and earn interest on your USD and EUR balances.
Personal Pension (SIPP)
Give your retirement savings a global edge, with our Which? Recommended Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Invest in international shares, hold multiple currencies - including USD and EUR - and earn interest on these balances too.
Stocks & Shares ISA
Saving for a rainy day? Shield your investments from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax with your £20,000 ISA allowance. Though you can only hold GBP in an ISA, you’ll still benefit from direct access to global markets.
Global investing at great value
At ii, we’re committed to easy and affordable investing - for all over the world.
- Pay a low, flat monthly fee
- US share dealing for just £3.99 a trade
- Avoid unnecessary FX fees with multi-currency investing in our SIPP and Trading Account
- Direct access means you’ll trade at the live market price, with no mark-ups
See our FX charges in full and learn more about the benefits of holding multiple currencies in your ii account.
Learn more about international investing
International investing FAQs
ii offers one of the widest choices of international investments on the market, with access to 17 global exchanges:
- North America: United States, Canada
- Europe: Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden*, Switzerland*
- Asia Pacific: Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
* phone orders only
As well as direct access to the above exchanges, we also offer Japanese, Indian and Chinese shares in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). This means those international shares are available via US stock exchanges.
Both the NYSE and NASDAQ are open from 2:30pm to 9pm UK time (that’s 9:30am to 4pm Eastern Time).
Check out our US markets page to find out everything you need to know about buying and selling US shares.
Direct access means your shares are traded directly on the underlying exchange rather than through UK-listed Crest Depository Instruments (CDIs). The price at which CDIs trade typically includes additional charges built into the spread, so with direct access you can avoid this and trade at the real market price.
Direct access also lets you benefit from new shares and stock splits on the day they happen - so you don’t miss out. And because your orders will be placed directly on the exchange, you’ll get the best possible price.
Investing in international stock markets is important for maintaining a diversified portfolio, while also considering your own investment goals and appetite for risk.
Generally speaking, an investment strategy that seeks a balanced approach between income and capital growth might allocate around 40% to international stocks. Be sure to factor in exposure to non-UK markets in any funds you own or UK companies that generate significant earnings overseas.
Important information: We may receive two parts of commission for international investing - trading commission and our foreign currency exchange charge. Please see our rates and charges for full details of the costs. Exchange rates can create risk to international investment if a market’s currency rises against sterling. On the other hand, if a market’s currency falls against sterling, this can increase returns. Please be aware that we have a revenue sharing agreement for the foreign currency exchange charge with a third party. If you require further information, please contact us.