Make money while others sleep! Check how to earn even when markets are closed

Want to make money while others are sleeping? Want to earn even when Indian stock market is closed? Well there is a solution! You can invest in the international stock markets from India only. Everybody wants to invest in the international companies like, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Tesla, Amazon, Samsung, Twitter etc. but they are not listed on Indian exchanges. Don't worry, you can still invest in these companies and buy their shares sitting at your home. Investing has become lot easier in the era of internet.

Rakesh Bansal, Vice President, RK Global told Zee Business Online, "An investor can invest upto a maximum limit of $2,50,000 for his international investments after a permission of RBI, however the rules and regulations will be applicable as per country to country."

How to invest in International companies and their stocks:

1. Demat account with a foreign or Indian broker with a collaboration: 

The first step is to open a demat account with a foreign broker, who provides international trading facilities in India. These brokers permit Indian citizens to invest in the US stock markets and mutual funds. There are some foreign brokers like Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, TradeStation, International Account, SogoTrade, optionsXpress, Firstrade etc.

However, one can also open a demat account with an Indian broker who has a tie up with foreign brokers for the international investment services. Many brokers like ICICI direct, HDFC Sec, Kotak Sec, Reliance money etc provides this facility.

2. Invest in Indian MF/ETFs with international equities:

The Investors can also invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or mutual funds (MFs), which invest in foreign companies. There are some popular mutual funds who trade in global equities like, ICICI Pru US Bluechip Equity, Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF, Reliance US Equity Opp. Fund DP (G), Edelweiss Greater China Equity-Direct, Kotak US Equity Fund – Direct (G) etc.

"An individual should invest as per his appetite He should make up his mind on why there is a need of investing in foreign equities. As the investments are subject to risks like currency rate difference, global market trend, international politics etc."

Investing through MFs or ETFs is more beneficial as it does not require to open a demat account with a foreign or Indian broker. Secondly, there won't be any minimum deposit limit unlike direct equity investments. 

3. Buy direct equity in international companies:

The other option is to invest directly in international companies. By opening an account with a broker, who provides these services, an investor can easily buy straight stakes or equities in the international firms. However, direct investment to shares of foreign countries will pose a risk of currency exchange rate, difference in market behaviour and high brokerage charges.

Watch this Zee Business TV video:

Laws for international equity investments in India:

1. Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS): As per the RBI's notification in Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), an Indian resident individual can only invest up to $250,000 overseas per year.

2. Taxation: In International ETFs and MFs, where long-term means over three years holding. Short-term capital gains tax (STCG) is as per the slab and LTCG tax is 20% with indexation. However, in case of the direct equity purchase (which involves brokerage) tax rate will be 20% on LTCG without indexation beyond one year holding period. 

3. Brokerage/profits on direct equities: The brokerage charges and profits will be payable in international currency (US dollars), and subject to exchange rate. The annual/monthly maintenance charges may also be higher compared to domestic accounts.