Financial Temperature

What is the best way to begin investing in international markets?

I am just beginning to learn about investing and would like to invest internationally... just not sure where a beginner like myself should start or how to do it for that matter... or what to invest in (stocks, bonds, mutual funds etc). Any advice?

Public Comments

1. If you are just starting out, mutual funds are your best bet.
2. Google Ben Stein. Read every article he has written and take detailed notes. He has information on ETF's, Mutual Funds, Stocks, etc. Above all, do nothing until you have tons of information. Investors with no knowledge are open to lose all their investments. Be smart. The market will be there in six months or even six years. You are not going to miss anything by making yourself knowledgeable. Don't give your money away. Most investors would be much better off in the first 5 years of investing to be savers and not investors. Save every penny you can.
3. I think the best way for a beginner would be through an Exchange Traded Fund. Mutual Funds require thorough research because you are trying to evaluate the abilities of individuals to actively manage your portfolio. Rather than spend that time (and money through higher expense ratios), go with an ETF that will charge a tiny fee and give you broad exposure to the international markets. My recommendation would be to check out the iShares EAFE index fund (Ticker: EFA). It will provide you liquid, diversified exposure to Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and the Far East (Ex-Japan). If you have a bigger appetite for risk, you might also consider the emerging markets - look at Ticker VWO from Vanguard or EEM from iShares.
4. Unless you have a reasonable amount saved in a savings account already, be careful of investing in individual Co. stocks etc. As some shares can go down as well as up, every few months ( beginners might sell to quickly ). And have to incur broker fees, often etc. So maybe learn about - Index Funds and ETFs. OK
5. If you don't know much about investing and want to invest internationally, Buy an international mutual fund available at any mutual fund dealer. The people that pick the stocks in these funds know what they are doing.
6. I think you could look at FOREX (Foreing Exchange Market). The bigest market in the world. Take a look at: http://www.finanzasforex.com/prg......... they are a Private Club of Investments in FOREX and offer very high interest funds. (10% to 23% month) and more 3000 investors just in this moment. You can gain access now for FREE to register and look inside.