Diversification is an important strategy to maintain a balanced, protected and profitable investment portfolio. However, your portfolio does not need to be limited to alternatives in the domestic market. Have you considered, for example, investing in the best American stocks?
The United States has the largest economy in the world and its markets serve as a reference for others. Therefore, many companies go public on American stock exchanges to gain more visibility. This makes it possible to find several opportunities in the country.
In this article, you’ll find out how to invest in the best American stocks — without ever leaving Brazil. Know the way!
Why invest in US stocks?
To begin with, it is necessary to understand the reasons that may lead to investing in assets abroad. The first point is related to the possibility of diversifying your portfolio. This helps to spread risk.
After all, the eventual fall of an asset (or market) can be mitigated by the stability or increase of another. For example, imagine that Brazil is going through an economic or political crisis, and the Brazilian stock market depreciates.
If your portfolio is made up only of domestic assets, your investment portfolio will likely experience declines. However, if you also have US stocks — and the US economy is stable or buoyant — it is possible to balance the result.
In this situation, any losses may be reduced or overcome with the appreciation of the securities in the foreign market. Finally, by diversifying your portfolio with alternatives from the US market, your capital is exposed to the US currency — the dollar. This provides protection against the devaluation of the real (exchange hedge).
What alternatives are available?
There are several stock exchanges in the United States, but most of the assets available are concentrated in their two largest: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations ( Nasdaq ).
In them, shares of more than 3000 companies are traded daily, so doubts may arise about which one to choose. In this case, the decision depends on each investor, considering objectives, company fundamentals and other characteristics.
However, for you to understand the potential of the American market, check out some companies traded in the USA that are among the most sought after by Brazilian investors!
Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google is one of the biggest companies in the world. Leader in the technology segment, it offers solutions and constant innovations to the market. Its shares are traded through the holding company Alphabet Inc., which have accumulated positive results over the years.
Created in 2005, Facebook is the largest social network in the world. She quickly became known and valued in several countries. The brand also owns the WhatsApp and Instagram apps, with a large user base.
disney
Present on the New York Stock Exchange since 1957, the Walt Disney Company is an entertainment company with a long history of reinventing itself and not losing space in the market. She has different sources of income, such as movies, series, theme parks, streaming, among others.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Corporation is the world’s largest hamburger fast food chain. Since going public on the American stock exchange, in 1965, it has been a stock that has performed positively. In addition, despite the pandemic having limited its operations, it has remained a market leader.
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway is the company of the world’s biggest investor: billionaire Warren Buffett. This is an investment holding company that has a portfolio of more than 60 large companies. Thus, it can be interesting for those who want to have their capital exposed to Buffett’s team.
How to invest in US stocks?
To acquire assets directly abroad you will need to follow the rules of the US market. Therefore, you will need to open an account with a North American institution, present the relevant documentation and remit the exchange.
Subsequently, after selling assets with the intention of using the proceeds, it will be necessary to repatriate the money. However, if you don’t want to go through all this bureaucracy and costs, there is the possibility of investing in alternatives available in the Brazilian market.
In this case, the investment will be indirect, as you will not be acquiring the shares themselves, but an asset linked to it. See the alternatives!
BDRs
Brazilian depositary receipts (BDRS), or securities depositary receipts, are assets that can be backed by the securities of US companies. It works as follows: a depository institution buys assets abroad, keeps them in custody.
Afterwards, it issues the BDRs to be traded on the domestic market. In this case, the investor has chances of receiving dividends, as long as the share counts on this payment and the depositary opts for the transfer, instead of the reinvestment.
Among the examples of BDRs, it is possible to find the GOGL34 , of shares of Google (Alphabet Inc.), the FBOK34, of shares of Facebook, the BERK34 , with the assets of Berkshire Hathaway, among others. Thus, it is worth researching the foreign company of your choice and checking if it has a corresponding BDR to invest.
International Funds
International investment funds are collective investment vehicles. Therefore, there is a group of investors with common interests, while the fund allocates mainly in international assets.
To this end, the fund’s assets are managed by a professional manager, who chooses the assets that will compose the portfolio. The shareholder will be responsible for paying the administration and performance fee (if any).
It is worth remembering that each fund has its strategy and different degrees of exposure, and it is important to check them before investing.
ETFs
Exchange traded funds, or index funds, are also investment funds. However, they seek to mirror market indicators. Many of them are based on US indices such as the S&P 500 (Standard and Poor’s 500), the Nasdaq Composite or the Dow Jones.
When purchasing an ETF share, your capital will be exposed to the same stocks that make up the theoretical portfolio of the aforementioned indices. Therefore, it is a way to diversify your portfolio with shares of several companies abroad and follow specific market indicators.
Now that you know the best American stocks and ways to invest in them, you will be able to internationalize your portfolio . However, be sure to consider whether your investor profile and your goals align you with the alternatives to ensure better decisions.
