Markets · Stocks & ETFs
Owning shares is not the same as trading them.
Many brokers offer both: real shares and ETFs in an investment account, and share CFDs in a trading account. They work very differently.
| Shares / ETFs | Share CFDs | |
|---|---|---|
| You own it | Yes, held in your name or a nominee for you | No: a contract on the price |
| Leverage | Usually none (cash account) | Yes, retail caps apply in many countries |
| Overnight cost | None to hold | Daily financing on leveraged positions |
| Dividends | Paid to you | Cash adjustment, may differ |
| Voting rights | Often, via the broker | No |
| Protection if broker fails | Shares are client assets; some countries add a compensation scheme | Depends on regulator and client-money rules |
ETFs in one line
An exchange-traded fund holds a basket (an index, a sector, bonds, gold) and trades on an exchange like a share. Check its costs (the yearly fee, or TER), what it tracks, and where it's domiciled, since that affects tax on dividends.
Brokers in our directory known for share investing
These also offer investment accounts. What's available depends on your country and the entity you sign with. Check on their site. Listed alphabetically, not ranked.
- eToroCySEC, ASIC, FSA Seychelles, MAS, FSRA ADGM“Stock commission of $1 or $2 may apply; short or leveraged stock positions are executed as CFDs, and some non-leveraged buys too” · their page
- Interactive BrokersSEC/CFTC, FCA, CBI, ASIC, CIRO“IBKR Lite provides commission-free trading in US exchange-listed stocks and ETFs” · their page
- NAGAFSA Seychelles, CySEC“3,000+ real stocks & ETFs, not derivatives” · their page
- SaxoDanish FSA“23,000+ stocks on 50+ exchanges; commissions from $1 on US stocks” · their page
- Trading 212ASIC, CySEC, FCA“Commission-free investing (other fees may apply)” · their page
- XTBFSC Belize, KNF Poland, FCA, CySEC“No commission on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000 monthly turnover” · their page
Investing involves risk; the value of shares can fall. Not advice. Info may be out of date or wrong. Always check with the regulator before you trade.