Best Online Brokerages and Trading Platforms in Singapore 2023

With so many trading platforms to choose from, finding the best online broker in Singapore can be difficult. To help you with the process our investing team has compared the top trading platforms in Singapore based on a range of factors such as commission fees, international market access and exchange rates.

Comparing the Best Brokerages and Trading Platforms in Singapore

When comparing trading platforms, consumers are faced with many different factors to consider (i.e. UI/UX, market access, product offering, etc.). It can be overwhelming, but a great place to start is by looking at the fees associated with each trade. Some platforms offer free or promotion periods where fees are waived along with other perks and benefits. Below is a graph showing the minimum commission fees for Singapore markets by brokerage or trading platform.

Best Overall in Singapore: Saxo Markets

Consider this if you want a trading platform with great market access and minimal fees
Promotions:

Market
BronzeSilverGoldPlatinumDiamondIndustry Average
Singapore0.08%0.06%0.05%0.04%0.03%0.22%
US0.06%0.04%0.03%0.025%0.02%0.27%
Japan0.15%0.15%0.15%0.10%0.08%0.32%
HK0.15%0.15%0.15%0.12%0.10%0.21%
EU0.10%-0.30%0.10%-0.30%0.10%-0.30%0.07-0.25%0.05-0.20%0.31%
* Saxo min. SG: S$5; US:$3-$4; JPY1,000-1,500; HKD60-90; EUR6-12

Market
BronzeSilverGoldPlatinumDiamondIndustry Average
US 301.81.81.81.61.4
US 5000.60.60.60.50.4
Japan 22510101086
HK 5077765
GER 302.02.02.01.51.0

Market
BronzeSilverGoldPlatinumDiamondIndustry Average
EUR USD0.60.60.60.50.4
USD JPY0.60.60.60.50.4
GBP USD0.70.70.70.60.4
AUD USD0.50.50.50.40.3
EUR JPY0.70.70.70.60.4
* figures based on min. advertised spreads

Saxo Markets is the best online brokerage in Singapore because it combines low cost, great market access, and an easy user interface into one platform.

First, Saxo charges just 0.08% commission on trades in Singapore, with a minimum cost of S$5. And if you were to sign up to their higher-tier plans for a monthly fee which can be waived off, you’ll be able to enjoy rates as low as 0.03% per trade (minimum S$1).

Not only that, Saxo doesn't charge any hidden fees, i.e., no inactivity fee, no platform fee, no maintenance fee, etc. Saxo can be effective not just for long-term investors, but also for frequent traders who invest S$100,000 or less.

On top of its low fees, Saxo offers online trading in 60 exchanges worldwide, and market-leading commission rates for the major international markets such as the U.S., Hong Kong, and Japan.

Additionally, Saxo is one of the best platforms for trading foreign currencies, since its FX spreads are consistently among the lowest available, beating competitors by a significant margin. Finally, our analysts found Saxo Markets's trading platform to have the most intuitive user interface.

Read our full review

Cheapest Online Trading in SG, US, and HK: moomoo powered by FUTU

PROMO: Transfer your assets to Moomoo SG and receive up to S$1,000* in rewards!
Consider this if you only want to trade stocks in SG, US, and HK
Promotions:
  • Transfer your assets to Moomoo SG and receive up to S$1,000* in rewards!
  • Transfer fee subsidy capped at S$200
  • Get US stocks commission-free forever, 180 days commission-free for US options trading, free NYSE ArcaBook level 2 market data and a free Apple share
  • The transfer in rewards are not stackable with other promotions
  • T&Cs apply

Market
moomoo Brokers FeeMin CommissionPlatform FeeIndustry Average Commission FeeIndustry Average Min. Commission
Singapore0.03%SGD 0.990.03%(min. SGD 1.50)0.22%SGD 25
USUSD 0.99USD 0USD 0 for the first year, USD 0.99 / Order thereafter0.27%USD 15-29
HK0.03%HKD 3HKD 150.21%HKD 100-200
China A0.03%CHN 3CHN 15
^Apply to learn more about promotion terms and conditions

Market/Type
The U.S.Hong KongSingapore
ProductsStocks, ETFs, Stock Options, ADRStocks, ETFsStocks, ETFs, REITs

moomoo (investment products offered by FUTU)is the most affordable online brokerage in Singapore as it has the lowest commission fees on the market, an intuitive trading platform, and access to US, HK, China A and SG markets—making moomoo an excellent choice for new investors. With their special welcome promotion, new accounts can receive real-time level 2 market data, 1 Apple (AAPL) share (and more) for free.

As one of the cheapest online trading platforms in SG, the commission charged for every trade in SG and HK markets is only 0.03%, which is much lower than other online trading platforms which range between 0.08%-0.28%. Similarly, moomoo only charges USD 0.0049 per order for US stocks, ETFs, and American depositary receipts (ADRs). Furthermore, with their current promotion, you can enjoy commission-free trading for 180 days in all SG and HK markets. What's better is that you will be able to enjoy $0 Commission for US Stocks forever. Even after the promotional period ends, new investors will still enjoy the lowest commissions in the market.

If you are looking for a simple UI/UX mobile application, moomoo's intuitive app offers tools like community chat functions, technical indicators, ratings, and insights. So, those looking to trade SG, HK, and US stocks can quickly download the app, set up an account, and begin trading. Unfortunately, moomoo's product offering and market access are currently not as broad as some of its competitors. However, they are relatively new and are expecting to broaden their product offering soon.

Similar to moomoo But With More Market Access: Tiger Brokers

Tiger Brokers
Tiger Brokers
Consider this if you are looking for a cheap online brokerage with broad market access
Promotions:
Tiger Welcome Bundle
SGX NIO Stock Voucher Rebate

Market
Tiger Brokers FeeMin CommissionIndustry Average FeeIndustry Average Commission
Singapore0.03%SGD 0.990.22%S$25
USUSD 0.005USD 0.990.27%USD 15-29
HK0.03%HKD 70.21%HKD 100-200
China0.03%RMB 7N/AN/A
Australia0.03%AUD 2N/AN/A
FuturesUSD$0.99-USD$18.99

Market/Type
The U.S.Hong KongSingaporeAustraliaChina
ProductsStocks, ETFs, Stock Options, FuturesStocks, Warrants, CBBCs, FuturesStocks, ETFs, Rights Issue, Futures, REITsStocksA-shares (in HKEX Northbound Trading)

Tiger Brokers has one of the lowest commission fees on the Singaporean brokerage market, an easy-to-use platform, and live prices for the US and Singapore, making it a great option for new and seasoned investors. The commission charged for every trade is just 0.03%, which is much lower than other online brokers who charge around 0.08%-0.28%.

This is still impressively lower than the average in Singapore, which is 0.21%. Additionally, new customers can also enjoy 60 Commission-Free Trades in 365 Days and 1 share of SoFi Technologies Inc. Share (NASDAQ: SOFI) upon opening your account. Moreover, Tiger Brokers charges neither a custodian nor a currency conversion fee, and it's fairly quick to open an account (1-3 days).

For those looking to invest abroad, Tiger Brokers' platform gives customers real-time access to markets in the United States, Hong Kong, China, and Australia. For trading in the US, you can invest for as little as USD $0.005 commission with a minimum fee of USD $0.99 per order. For those who prefer to trade in Hong Kong, Tiger Brokers' minimum fee is only HKD $7. This is one of the most attractive rates in Singapore, as most firms charge around HKD $100-HKD $240. Trading futures is also simple, as there are built-in features on their platform to give customers support with these deals. With low trading fees, a user-friendly platform, and access to current market data, Tiger Brokers is a great platform.

Read our full review

Low Commission Fees with No platform Fees: Webull Online Brokerage

PROMO: Get 10 free shares when you fund any amount and maintain your funds for 30 days
Consider this if you prioritise being able to trade US, HK and CN stocks for little to no commission and platform fees
Promotions:
  • $0 commission* and $0 platform fee* for US stocks and ETFs trades
  • Fund and maintain any amount for 30 days to get 10 free shares
  • Fund USD2000 or more, activate and maintain Moneybull to get up to USD3,000 cash rewards.
  • Promo valid until 29 Dec 2023
  • Get up to 5.4% 7-day USD yield p.a and cash rewards worth up to USD 3,000 when you activate Moneybull, meet the funding requirements within the campaign period and maintain your deposit until 31 Mar 2024. T&Cs apply.
MarketFee TypeCharges
US Stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)CommissionUSD0*
Platform feeUSD0
HK Stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)Commission0.03% of total trade amount (min. HKD12)
Platform feeHKD0
China A-Shares Stocks and ETFsCommission0.02% of total trade amount (min. CNH12 per trade)
Platform feeCNH0
Note: Zero commission for US stocks and ETF is a promotional rate and is valid till 30/09/2023
^Apply to learn more about promotion terms and conditions

Market/Type
The U.S.Hong KongChina
ProductsStocks, ETFs, ADR, Stock OptionsStocks, ETFsStocks, ETFs

Webull is a relatively new discount brokerage to enter the Singapore scene. They boast low commission fees on par with, and sometimes even cheaper than, other discount brokers for US, HK and CN markets.

Webull currently offers zero commission trading for US stocks, 0.03% of trade amount for HK stocks and 0.02% of trade value for CN stocks. What truly makes Webull competitive is they do not currently charge any platform fees for buying and selling stocks and ETFs. This would be particularly beneficial for investors who are just getting started in their investing journey and make small but frequent stock buys as they would be able to minimse their costs as compared to using other brokerages that charge a flat fee per trade.

The biggest downside about Webull is that they currently do not offer trading of SG stocks, ETFs and REITs. If you are primarily interested in trading international, namely US, HK and CN stocks, Webull offers an affordable option that is good for both experiences and novice traders alike. This coupled with Webull's regular attractive welcome promotions of free shares ranging from US$3 - S$1,000 makes Webull a good option for those looking to explore new trading platforms.

Best Online Trading Platform For Beginners: uSMART

uSMART
uSMART
Consider this if you are looking for an online brokerage with specially-curated investing content for beginner investors
Promotions:
  • Terms and conditions apply
TraderStandardIntel
Commission FeePlatform FeeCommission FeePlatform FeeCommission FeePlatform Fee
SG MarketS$0 *0.03% x Transaction Amount
No minimum
S$0 *0.03% x Transaction Amount
No minimum
S$0 *0.05% x Transaction Amount
No minimum
HK MarketHKD 0 *HKD 12.00HKD 0 *HKD 12.00HKD 0 *HKD 15.00
US MarketUS$0 *USD 0.005 Per Share
Minimum USD 1.00 Per Order
Maximum 0.50% x Transaction Amount
US$0 *USD 0.005 Per Share
Minimum USD 1.00 Per Order
Maximum 0.50% x Transaction Amount
US$0 *USD 0.01 Per Share
Minimum USD 1.88 Per Order
Maximum 0.50% x Transaction Amount
* Note that the stated promotions end on 31 Dec 2022
Market/TypeThe U.S.Hong KongSingapore
ProductsFractional Shares, Stocks, ETFs, OptionsStocks, WarrantsStocks, ETFs, REITs

uSMART has one of the lowest commission fees on the Singaporean brokerage market, and specially-curated educational content and resources, making it a great option for new and fresh investors. The commission charged for every trade in Singapore is just 0.02-0.05%, which is much lower than other online brokers who charge around 0.08%-0.28%.

The Standard account type would be the most suitable for the average and ordinary user because of its low fees and reasonable access to the SMART features available. Users with Trader accounts, on the other hand, would not be able to access uSMART’s SMART features, but they will be able to enjoy the cheapest fees available.

uSMART’s SMART features are its undoubted selling point, and for good reason. Currently, uSMART offers 4 main types of preset SMART order strategies: Sell-High, Breakdown-sell, Breakthrough buy, and Buy-Low. uSMART will monitor the stock market, and depending on the order strategy that you choose, it will automatically buy or sell the stock that you’re interested in once the target price that you’ve set has been reached.

For instance, the Sell-High strategy allows you to input a set selling price, and uSMART will automatically place an order once that price has been reached. These innovative features majorly streamline and simplify the trading process.

Read our full review

Best Online Trading Platform in Singapore for US Stocks & ETFs: Syfe Trade

Syfe Trade
Syfe Trade
Consider this if you want to trade US stocks and ETFs at a flat rate
Promotions:

Syfe Trade
Commission-Free Trades a monthCommission rate
Five free trades a month^USD0.99 flat fee^
After Introductory Offer
Two free trades a monthUSD1.49 fee
  • US Stocks
  • US ETFs

Syfe Trade has the lowest commission fees on the market for trading US stocks and ETFs.

For a start, the Singapore online brokerage is giving every investor five free trades per month, and thereafter a flat fee of USD 0.99 per trade, during its introductory offer which will end at the first quarter of 2022. Even after its introductory offer comes to an end, Syfe Trade remains extremely competitive by giving its investors two free trades per month, and a flat fee of USD 1.49 per trade.


Brokerage
Commission RateMinimum Commission
Syfe TradeUSD0.99 flat fee-
Saxo Markets (Bronze Plan)0.06%USD 4
Tiger Broker0.01 per shareUSD 1.99
moo moo0.0099 per shareUSD 1.99
*moo moo & Tiger Brokers rate consists of commission and platform fees

Syfe Trade also allows investors to engage in fractional trading for US stocks and ETFs, allowing retail investors with smaller capitals to get the US stock or ETF of their choice from just USD 1.

The only drawback to Syfe Trade, for now at least, is that it only offers access to the US market. While there are plans to expand into more markets, including Singapore, users who are looking to invest in the short run would be better off looking at other choices.

If you are willing to wait, however, you’ll be happy with Syfe Trade’s simple and intuitive interface and the protection for up to 500K against brokerage failure.

Similar to other online brokerage offerings in Singapore, Syfe Trade gives its users live US market data as well to maximise your investment gains.

Read our full review

Honorable Mention For Best Market Access: Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
Consider this if you plan to invest in international
Promotions:
  • -
Interactive BrokersSaxo Markets
SG Stocks Commission Fee (Min. Fee)0.08% (S$2.50)0.08% (S$5)
U.S. Stocks Commission Fee (Min. Fee)$0.005 per share (USD 1.00)0.06% (USD 4)
Hong Kong Stocks Commission Fee (Min. Fee)0.08% (HKD 18)0.15% (HKD 60-90)
Japan Stocks Commission Fee (Min. Fee)0.08% (JPY 80)0.15% (JPY 1000-1500)

In terms of trading securities in non-Singapore markets, Interactive Brokers' commission levels are hard to beat for available online trading platforms in Singapore. This is attractive to investors that may feel limited by the number of stocks on the Straits Times Index and feel inclined to consider other options. As you can see in the table below, Interactive Brokers has the lowest commission costs for any region outside of Singapore. Still, Saxo is the best option for those who want access to every market including Singapore.

Read our full review

Best Platforms for CFD Trading

Contracts for difference (CFDs) allow individuals to speculate on the future price of an underlying asset, without actually owning the asset. CFDs are also traded on leverage, giving traders additional buying power. For these reasons, they are popular among experienced traders in Singapore. Below we highlight the two best online trading platforms in Singapore that stand out for CFD trading.

Honorable Mention for Trading CFDs: IG

IG
IG
Consider this if you are interested in trading CFDs on a platform with excellent educational materials
Promotions:
IGSaxo Markets (Bronze Plan)
CFD Commission for Stocks & ETFs:
Singapore0.10%0.08%
U.S.$0.020/share0.06%
UK0.10%0.10%
Euro0.10%0.10%
Japan0.20%0.15%
Index CFD Spread:
US SP 5000.40.4
US Tech 10011
Singapore0.20.3
Hong Kong 5055
Japan 22587
China A501012
Australia 20011
Germany 3011
Monthly Aggregated Contract Value (USD)Monthly Bonus KrisFlyer Miles PayableTotal KrisFlyer miles after 1 year for each tier
US$500,000+60720
US$1,000,000+1001,200
US$5,000,000+5006,000
US$10,000,000+1,10013,200
US$15,000,000+1,80021,600
US$20,000,000+2,50030,000
US$25,000,000+3,75045,000
US$50,000,000+7,00084,000

IG is another leading brokerage in Singapore with CFD offerings. While its commission fees are generally higher than those of City Index, it offers a few features that make it worth considering.

First, IG allows investors to adjust their exposure by trading fractions of a contract (e.g. 0.5 contracts of spot FX EUR/USD). Furthermore, IG offers Knockout CFDs, which is a unique feature that allows traders to determine their maximum losses before entering a position. This product automatically adjusts margin requirements based on the user's specific "knockout level", or maximum loss.

IG also offers a comprehensive CFD education platform through IG Academy, which helps new traders get up to speed and even practice risk-free with an account with simulated funds. Finally, IG's collaboration with Singapore Airlines allows users to earn KrisFlyer Miles on every trade. For more information, please refer to the toggles below.

Read Our Full Review

How to Choose an Online Brokerage Platform

Finding the best online trading platform that fits your needs is crucial to becoming a successful investor. You should consider the following features and requirements before picking an online broker in Singapore.

1. Brokerage Fees and Minimum Funding

Brokerage fees are one of the most important factors when choosing a trading platform. Active traders should look for a firm with the lowest commission rates in markets they invest in most frequently. Investors who make fewer, larger investments should prioritise finding a platform with a low, flat fee per trade.

You should also consider the minimum funding requirements of different brokerage accounts to find one that fits your budget. Some trading platforms like Saxo Markets have different account tiers depending on the size of your total investment.

2. Market Access

Another crucial factor when selecting a brokerage account is market access. While amateur investors may be content with access to a few markets, experienced traders may seek access to stocks and ETFs in dozens of countries. If you are interested in trading CFDs, gold, crypto, or Forex, make sure you find a brokerage that offers these products. Trading platforms that offer advanced trading products and broad international access tend to have higher fees.

3. Usability and Quality of the Brokerage App

Make sure to explore the interface of different brokerage platforms and see which devices are supported. You want to use a platform that you can easily understand and have access to your finances from a desktop and mobile device.

4. Educational Materials and Customer Support

Many brokerage firms offer research materials, informative visuals, and live stock quotes that can be helpful for making informed investments, especially for beginner traders. You should also make sure the brokerage firm you select has a responsive customer support and security features to protect your account from fraudulent activity.

5. Automated Features and Advanced Tools

AI and technological advances are making it easier than ever to invest. Brokerage platforms like Interactive Brokers offer algorithmic trading which allows consumers to speed up execution, improve pricing, and time the market with ease. You can also leverage robo advisors to help you set goals and manage your trades.

Summary Table of Online Brokerage Commissions

Below, you will find a summary table comparing Singapore online brokerage fees. Being aware of these fees will help you find the best broker in Singapore providing the cheapest rates for trading on their platform. For more information about a particular broker, you can read our reviews or click "Learn More" to get connected with the platform.

Online BrokerageMin. Fee< S$50kS$50k-S$100k> $100k
Tiger BrokersSGD 0.990.03%0.03%0.03%
Saxo MarketsSGD 50.08%0.08%0.08%
IG (CFD only)S$100.10%0.10%0.10%
Interactive BrokersS$2.500.08%0.08%0.08%
Standard CharteredN/A0.20%0.20%0.20%
U TradeS$250.275%0.22%0.18%
Poems 2.0N.A.0.08%* for Cash Plus Account
iOCBCS$250.275%0.22%0.18%
KGIFraserS$250.275%0.22%0.180%
i*TradeS$250.275%0.22%0.18%; min $15
Citibank BrokerageS$280.25%0.20%0.18%
DBS VickersS$250.28%0.22%0.18%
RHB SecuritiesS$250.275%0.22%0.18%
Maybank Kim EngS$250.275%0.20%0.18%
Lim & Tan SecuritiesS$250.28%0.22%0.18%
FSMOneFlat fee of SGD 8.80
Market AverageS$160.16%0.15%0.12%

The table below provides commission, minimum fee, and market access information for online brokerages that will let you trade in a variety of global markets. To help you compare brokerages across various markets easier, we laid out fees for US, HK and Japan markets.

Online BrokerageUS Commission & Min. FeeJapan Commission & Min. FeeHK Commission & Min. Fee# Intl. Markets
Tiger Brokers $0.01/trade; min. $1.99N/A0.06%; min. HKD 154
Saxo Markets0.02%; min. USD 10.10%; min JPY 1,0000.10%; min. HKD 6050+
IG (CFD only)$0.02/share0.20%0.25%30+
Interactive Brokers$0.005/share; min. USD 10.08%; min. JPY 800.08%; min. HKD 1824
Standard Chartered0.25%; min. $100.25%; min. JPY 1,0000.25%; min. HKD 10010
U Trade0.275%; min. $19N/A0.28%; min. HKD 1394
Poems 2.0$3.88 (flat)0.18%; min. JPY 1,5000.18%; min. HKD 3021
iOCBC0.3%; min. USD 200.75%; min. JPY 3,0000.25%; min. HKD 15026
KGIFraser0.3%; min. $200.5%; min. JPY 1,5000.275%; min. HKD 10015
i*Trade0.275%; min. $15N/A0.275%; min. HKD 1256
Citibank Brokerage0.3%; min. USD 25N/A0.2-0.3%; min. HKD 1203
DBS Vickers0.18%; min. USD 250.35%; min. JPY 3,0000.18%; min. HKD 1007
RHB Securities0.3%; min. $20N/A0.25%; min. HKD 1157
Maybank Kim Eng0.30%; min. USD 200.5%; min. JPY 3,0000.25%; min. HKD 1009
Lim & Tan SecuritiesN/A0.8%; min. S$700.18%; min. HKD 10012
TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim)S$14-S$15(USD10.65) for US stocks, USD10.65 + $0.81 per contract for options
FSMOne0.08%; min. USD 8.80N/A0.08%; min. HKD 5012

Types of Fees and Costs

There will be a few types of fees associated with different trades that you will need to know. Once you begin trading on an online trading platform you may come across several different types of fees.

TypeDescription
Commission feesThis is the most common and upfront fee traders should expect to pay. Think of it as a service charge that the online brokerage charges every time you want to execute a trade. The more frequent you trade the more fees you will pay. If you are a long-term trader and you expect to have low trade volume, then commission fees may not be your highest concern when shopping for a brokerage.
SpreadThis refers to the difference between the sell (bid) and buy (offer) prices when trading certain assets. It is common to see a spread when trading forex or commodities and you will incur either gains or losses from the difference in the buy/sell prices.
Clearing & Trading FeesIf using a Central Depository account (CDP), you will pay clearing fees per completed transaction. You will also need to pay a trading fee of the contract value mandated by the Singapore Exchange (SGX).

Types of Products You Can Invest With Online Brokerages

Online Brokerages are constantly updating their investment product offering for Singaporeans to grow their wealth. Here is a quick guide to some standard products you can invest using trading platforms in Singapore.

Investment ProductDescription
CommoditiesTrading commodities involves raw materials like gold/silver, agricultural products, and oil. Investors trading in commodities must keep up to date with political, economic, and weather changes.
EquitiesEquities or stocks is the buying and selling of shares of a company. Most new investors think of equities when the topic of investment comes up among family and friends. Before purchasing any stock it is crucial to research and analyse the company and the fundamentals of its business. Read our basic guide to stocks to get started.
Mutual FundsA mutual fund is a pool of money from many investors used to buy other securities. Usually a mutual fund will consist of stocks and bonds, but can include other types of investments. Each mutual fund is managed by professional money managers and are generally considered safe investments.
ETFsETFs, track an underlying index fund and will mimic the performance of that index. For example, some online brokerages offer ETFs that track the S&P 500 or NASDAQ. Unlike an index fund, ETFs can be bought and sold like stocks throughout the day. If you are a passive investor, ETFs are a good way to begin your investing journey.
Forex (FX)Forex trading involves the buying and selling of currency pairs. Most online brokerages in Singapore that offer forex accounts will have a menu of different major foreign currency options to choose—like SGD/USD or EUR/USD pairs to choose from. You will
Index FundsIndex funds is a type of mutual fund or ETF that matches the performance of a financial market index or specific portfolio of securities. For example the Straits Times Index (STI) tracks the performance of the top 30 companies in the SGX. These funds provide broad market exposure and like ETFs are safe options for passive investors.
BondsBonds are fixed income units that represent corporate debt. It is like a company taking out a loan. Instead of getting one from a bank, corporations can issue out bonds and get funds from investors. The most common bonds are corporate and municipal bonds (issued by the government).
CFDsA CFD (Contract For Difference) is an agreement between you and the brokerage firm to exchange the difference in the value of specific investment from when you first opened a position to when you closed it. You can typically find brokerages offering CFDs for Forex, commodities, and equities.
FuturesFutures trading are financial contracts that obligates involved parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date at an agreed upon price. That asset can range widely from commodities, equities, ETFs, and more. Futures trading is essentially wagering on the price movement of an asset. Since it is like borrowing money on a bet, futures trading can increase your risk but also magnify returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about investing? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Online trading is safe as online brokerages have a high level of platform security and strive to create a safe trading environment. If you're investing online, you should check that your online brokerage is regulated and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

That being said, there are risks you should be aware of before you start trading. For instance, every investment comes with a risk of losing all the money you put into the investment. Moreover, because it's very easy to top up your account and make a trade, those prone to gambling may be more at risk of losing money. Moreover, because online trading relies on the individual to make a trade and not a broker or professional investor, it's up to you to do proper due diligence and it may be difficult to get the financial advice you need.

Investment portfolios include aggressive, defensive, income, speculative, and hybrid portfolios. These portfolios usually contain a collection of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments that help you diversify your investments. There are pros and cons to each, though generally speaking, you should choose a portfolio based on your risk tolerance. For example, those who can afford to play around with their money could invest in an aggressive portfolio, which includes financial products that have greater price fluctuations and the ability to have high gains. On the other hand, more risk-averse investors or those who are closer to retirement and are looking to secure more funds should consider a more defensive portfolio.

Put simply, stocks are a type of financial product that represents your partial ownership in a company. When stocks appreciate, you can sell the stock for a profit. Moreover, some stocks pay annual dividends (some of the company's annual profit) to shareholders. On the other hand, bonds are fixed-income securities that represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower. For example, when you buy a government bond, you are lending money to the government for a risk-free return.

When you buy a Contract for Difference (CFD), you are essentially buying a contract that allows you to predict a share's price movements. You make money on the difference in price between the opening and closing trades. These short-term investments are very popular for foreign exchange and commodities like grains, gold, oil, and natural gas.

Finally, an "option" gives investors the opportunity to purchase a share at a specific price in the future. A "future", however, requires the investor to purchase the shares in the future at the previously agreed-upon price. Because of the speculative nature of these products, they are popular with more experienced investors.

A mutual fund is a portfolio consisting of securities like stocks, bonds, and other financial assets. A primary benefit of mutual funds is that they offer professionally managed solutions for individual investors. Moreover, mutual funds are a good option for passive investors looking for longer-term investments.

Blue-chip stocks are shares of a large, publicly-traded company. These companies are usually worth billions of dollars and are considered safe investments. Many blue-chip companies pay annual dividends to shareholders, so they are common to have in income portfolios.

To trade financial products in the US stock market, check out whether or not your trading platform offers market access to places in the US like the New York Stock Exchange. Try and compare fees, as some international trading platforms could charge higher commission charges or currency conversion rates. In Singapore, there are several online trading platforms which offer low- or no-commission charges and expert market data on the US stock market.

While signing up to an online trading platform is easy, actually investing your money into the stock market might take some time. To get the best results and learn the most, you should consider a user-friendly platform with special tools for beginners. For instance, Saxo Markets offers analytical tools and market data to help inform investors' decisions on whether to invest in a product or not.

Before you invest any money, we recommend you weigh your priorities for a trading platform so you can choose the best one for you. If you would like to see the process and get accustomed to the way investments are made before you start trading yourself, you could invest in a managed portfolio like an ETF or unit trust.

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Stephen Lee

Stephen Lee is a Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion, specializing in insurance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Washington, and his prior work experience include risk management and underwriting for professional liability and specialty insurance at Victor Insurance. Additionally, Stephen is a former US Peace Corps Volunteer in Myanmar (serving between 2018-2020), where he continues to provide business development consulting services to HR companies in Asia Pacific.