As buyers navigate through these options, it becomes difficult to determine which one would be the most suitable. In a nutshell, the platform that you should use depends upon the amount you want to invest in stocks, how often you want to trade and some other factors.

This guide shows you all the key differences between the three platforms, and helps you determine which one is right for you.

Option 1: Sharesies NZ

If you have been in New Zealand for a while, you would know that Sharesies was the first NZ based trading platform to be launched. The company began in 2017 through a startup incubator, and since then they have taken pride in being the first (and often, most reliable) affordable online investor.

Sharesies targets young people who are just starting out with investments. They facilitate people by having a low fee of 1 cent per share to invest in both the NZ and US markets. If you are looking for popularity statistics for Sharesies, then it is safe to say that over 1 billion dollars have been invested using the platform for the past 4 years.

In our opinion, Sharesies NZ is most suitable for:

• New investors who want to spread their reach to the US market,
• Current investors in the NZ market who want to purchase a small number of US shares.

If you are new to Sharesies or thinking about getting it you can do so by clicking HERE or reading our full review HERE.

Option 2: Hatch NZ

Hatch is another popular option from New Zealand that gives you access to US market stocks. While Hatch has been around for multiple years now, their popularity surged the most during 2020. This web platform provides easy access to over 3,500 stocks that you can buy and sell using Hatch with each transaction being supported by the professional team behind the startup.

For both beginners and experienced investors, Hatch provides a feature set that is easy to follow but also has everything that you would need. The best part about Hatch is that they have a comprehensive FAQ list on their website which aids all beginners in getting started with trading.

In our opinion, Hatch is most suitable for:

• People who want to continue investing for years,
• Large investors who are likely to hold their stocks.

If you are new to Hatch or thinking about getting it you can do so by clicking HERE or reading our full review HERE.

Option 3: Stake

Stake has been designed for expert traders. This platform offers a complete set of features including order types, day trading, etc. Stake was launched in 2017 and has since then accumulated a large number of experienced investors on the platform. The most attractive feature offered by Stake is their fee-free trade, meaning there is zero brokerage fee involved when you trade using Stake.

In our opinion, Stake is most suitable for:

• Investors who have prior experience in trading,
• Traders who want complete control over their trading processes.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about getting it you can do so by clicking HERE or reading our full review HERE.

Final Words

The truth is that most trading platforms essentially offer the same features. Whether you choose Sharesies, Hatch or Stake, you will have access to the following features:

• Funding from your NZ bank account
• Using DriveWealth as the main broker for US investments
• Registered and protected investing
• Customer representative support.

If the fee is your main determinant, then Hatch proves to be the cheapest per trade. As you start accumulating more and more shares, you can have access to economies of scale that allow you to make larger investments in the future.

However, if you plan on investing less than $750 in US shares, then Sharesies NZ provides better value for money. This can be attributed to the fact that purchasing multiple shares through Hatch means that their basic fee of 1 cent per share tends to add up to a significant amount.

While Hatch, Sharesies NZ and Stake have varying fee structures depending upon the amount you invest, it is important to plan your transactions in advance.

Sharesies NZ would be a great choice for those who want to invest small amounts into the US market. Hatch is more suitable for those who want to trade continuously, and Stake is for those who want to buy and sell shares in multiple companies over the US market.

The post Sharesies vs Hatch vs Stake – Which is Best? appeared first on How to Invest.

The shares vs ETFs debate is similar to any other question about investment decisions. Regardless of the choice you make, your top priority must always be to have as little risk as possible, and generate a profitable return on investment for yourself.

Getting started in the market? Sign up to Sharesies and receive free $5 in your account by clicking HERE.

What are ETFs?

While you may know that shares are individual fractions of ownership of a company that you can purchase, many people do not know about ETFs.

Exchange-traded funds are a combination of shares that you can buy and sell – similar to how the stock market works. These ETFs can be purchased or sold via brokerage firms who tend to guide you regarding which ETFs to purchase.

A majority of ETFs in the market double as index funds – which is a set of stocks of a particular industry in the economy. These are typically large sectors such as real estate or energy.

Here are some factors to consider

As you try to choose between an ETF or individual shares, here are a few important factors to consider before making your decision:

1. Individual Control

If your top priority is having control over your investment, then it is safe to say that stocks offer more individual control than ETFs. Purchasing stocks means that you can research the specific businesses that you want to invest in beforehand and choose each one critically.

For ETFs, it is difficult to promise individual control since these are bought through brokerage firms that are simultaneously tracking a large number of companies. This means that you would have less direct control over your investment, and even the profits that you make over time.

2. Flexibility

Similar to control, purchasing individual stocks lets you have more flexibility and variability on your portfolio. You can choose which stocks you want on your investment portfolio – making it as diverse as you want with a combination of growth stocks and value stocks.

3. Investment Predictability

Once you make an investment, you would want to know the estimated amount of return that you would receive. With individual stocks, it is easy to make accurate predictions using previous market data and trends. With ETFs, predictability is comparatively harder but not impossible. It only takes more effort because you would have to compare and combine the performance of your portfolio of stocks throughout various industries.

Summary

Whenever you have to make a choice between purchasing individual shares or ETFs, it is important to consider your risk and exposure first. Depending upon what your own priorities are, you would be able to derive a conclusion for yourself.  In our opinion ETFs tend to be a better option when there is little dispersion of the returns from the average, and stocks tend to be better when there is significant dispersion of returns.

Unsure which platform to use to buy Shares or ETFs? See our full review so you can make the right decision by clicking HERE.

The post Shares vs ETFs – Which Is Better? appeared first on How to Invest.

If you are new to Hatch or thinking about getting  it you can do so by clicking HERE or reading our full review HERE.

If you are looking for the best US shares to buy right now, here are our top 2 suggestions.

1. iRobot (IRBT)

As you may already know, this modern technology company currently manufactures Roomba robot vacuums and Braava robot mops. Since the company integrates advanced technology into the most basic household equipment, the entire business plan is impressive enough for anybody to invest.

When it comes to actually making an investment, there are many things that one looks out for. Firstly, iRobot has shown a strong balance sheet over the past year and has proven results to be profitable. This means that if they continue at the same pace, iRobot has the potential to grow significantly over the second half of 2021.

Another thing that gives us faith to invest in iRobot is their visionary founder. When the founder of a company has a strong vision and ambition to achieve something remarkable, there are very few things that are impossible.

The reason why we recommend purchasing iRobot stocks in August 2021 is due to how versatile this company is. Despite their growth statistics following a positive trend in the past, we expect that the company has far more potential than what it currently indicates. By enhancing in artificial intelligence and modern robot technology, iRobot is certainly making life easier for all homeowners with their radical home appliances.

2. UpWork (UPWK)

The world of freelancing rests upon companies like Upwork. By offering an online marketplace, Upwork caters to the gig economy by acting as the middleman between freelancers and companies who wish to hire on a per-project basis. The amount of diversity that you can find on Upwork is truly incredible – from writers and graphic designers to voiceover artists and web development, there is something for everybody.

As more and more people become part of the gig economy, Upwork is expected to grow even more in the future. The trend of having a ‘side hustle’ is becoming very common, and a majority of people are looking for their second jobs as freelancers on sites like Upwork.

After the pandemic hit the world hard in 2020, the phenomenon of working from home has become more common than ever. Since Upwork caters to remote, flexible, and global working conditions, the company has truly set up a business model that is destined to be successful in the modern world.

In 2021, Upwork has seen an increase in the number of sales and number of people who use the platform. If they are to continue this trend of growth, investing in Upwork shares might be the right choice for August 2021.

Summary

Both of these stocks are super unvalued and have tons of room to grow in an every emerging market. So, go ahead and buy shares at this discount prices!

New to Hatch? Sign up here and get $20 FREE when you deposit more than $100 in your account by clicking HERE.

The post Best US Shares to Buy On Hatch Right Now appeared first on How to Invest.

If you are new to Sharesies or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free $5 when you sign up.

Fletcher Building Limited (FBU)

The first one we have is Fletcher Building Limited. It is one of the largest businesses present in New Zealand. The company has a market capitalization of about NZ $6.2 billion. So, it is sure to be a great option to invest in. It offers you smooth and consistent dividend payouts. There was a buyback from the company, which has allowed the share prices to gain some momentum.

Genesis Energy Limited (GNE)

Next, we have Genesis Energy Limited. The diversified energy company has a lot of holdings in different businesses. You will find it to have shown a 15% increase in its share price, which is quite amazing for any share price. It has also shown an increase in its earnings per share by 3.5%. It is considered a safe option for investors as it showcases stability and growth in terms of payouts.

Pushpay Holdings Limited (PPH)

Next, we have Pushpay Holdings Limited. The statistics show that there is sure to be an increase in the earnings of the business, which will result in great benefits for every person who owns its shares. It is quite amazing what this company promises in the future. It is best to get on board now so that you can avail yourself off the benefits it has to offer in the future.

Contact Energy (CEN)

Next, we have Contact Energy. The company has seen a steady increase in shares at the start of 2021 but saw a drop sometime soon. However, this doesn’t depict the true picture anymore as the business has come into various agreements and contracts that will lead to an increase in its revenue, no doubt. With the overall performance of the business increasing, there is no doubt that the demand for shares will also increase, causing an increase in the prices.

Michael Hill International Limited (MHJ)

Next, we have Michael Hill International Ltd. This international multi-channel retail jewellery chain is surely one of the more renowned companies in New Zealand. It is a more stable option for you to go forward with as stock. Find this on Sharesies and add it to your portfolio.

Final Words

All in all, you will find that there is a range of share options available for you to buy. However, finding the best NZX shares to buy in September surely takes some time. Pair your trading time with the best platform available for NZX shares, Sharesies. You’re sure to benefit from it.

If you are new to Sharesies or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free $5 when you sign up.

The post Best NZX Shares to Buy In September 2021 appeared first on How to Invest.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

What is Stake?

Stake is an online stock trading company that offers Australian and Kiwi residents US Stocks. Now, launched in the UK too, it is a platform through which users and customers can buy shares and stokes from US companies in an easy and affordable way. With an app that is available on mobile phones too, this helps you get your favourite stock wherever and whenever you want.

How to Make An Account on Stake

Stake is one of those companies that offer apps to their customers. Having the app makes it easier for the customer to use it on their phone or tablet. They can use it when they are on the go or when working on something else. To get an account on stake is very easy.

• Go to the play store and write down Stake and download the app.
• Register on the account by proving your Australian or kiwi identity.
• Once you have an account you can start with the free stock from the get-go. This will help you create more money so you can buy more stocks.

How to Use Stake

This is a commonly asked question. How can you use Stake if you are an amateur and don’t know anything about trading and shares? Well here are a few ways you can use stake.

1. Stake has over 3,500 stock options for its customers. This is just information for the customer to know when going in with Stake.
2. Once you have made an account and are now an official member of Stake, you can now visit any of the stocks offered.
3. There are three layers or levels of stocks, one is for professionals, one is for experienced individuals and one is for beginners. This way you won’t make the mistake of trying to trade with a professional level.
4. Stake doesn’t provide commitment traps thus you are free to broker between packs if you feel like you can handle it.
5. Once you apply for a share, it takes minutes to get digitally approved and then you can use credit card to get funds.
6. Your money will be converted into US dollars to get the share you want thus you will have tax-free stock exchange.
7. Jut make sure that you are buying and sharing stocks on US working times otherwise you may get a delay in stock rates.

Final Words

If you follow these steps then you will be able to use the Stake app in a more comprehensive and easy way. This way you will also be able to get the shares you want easily and without any confusion or problem.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

The post How to Use Stake – Beginners Guide to Stock Investing appeared first on How to Invest.

What is Hatch?

The services provided by Hatch are more or less the same as Stake. It is a website that allows its users to buy Exchange Traded Funds which are listed in the market of the United States.

If you are new to Hatch or thinking about getting  it you can do so by clicking HERE or reading our full review HERE.

What is Stake?

The services offered by Stake are more or less the same as Hatch, but two major differentiating points are that stake does not charge any trading fee where as Hatch does. Moreover, Stake also provides its users with an app, so that they can easily download it on their phones and use it. Whereas, Hatch does not have an app.

Both, Stake and Hatch offer trading funds which are listed in the market of the United States.

Fee Structure

Both Hatch and Stake have difference in the price structure.

Both Hatch and Stake charge a deposit fee. Hatch charges 0.5%, where as Stake charges 1%. Hatch does not have any minimum fee restrictions on its customers whereas stake imposes a restriction of $2 being the minimum fee.

Hatch starts increasing its fee every time you trade more shares. So, investing in hatch is a good option if you are planning to buy shares of a single company.

• Monthly fee: When it comes to Hatch, there is no membership charges. On the other hand, stake offers three plans to its customers. The first plan is for the starters, which charges $0 per month. The second plan is for unlimited use, charging $9 per month, and last but not the least, is the Black package which is for $19 per month. Each package has its own unique features to offer to the customers.

Investment

Stake offers more than 800 investment opportunities in stocks and Exchange Traded Funds as compared to Hatch.

Availability of Listings

When it comes to Hatch, new listings are available for the customers as soon as they are made. However, Stake only allows those customers to see the new listings who have opted for the Black plan.

Day Trading

Hatch does not have the concept of trading during the day, where as stake allows its customers who are on Black plan to trade as much and at any time they want.

Funding

When it comes to Hatch, it exchanges money every day at 2 p.m. So, if you deposit before 12 pm, you will wake up to the money in your Hatch account.

On the other hand, Stake allows express funding and charges 0.50%, which allows the customers to be a part of the market immediately, it is the best option if there is a huge opportunity in the market.

More Feasible?

All in all, both the websites offer more or less the same services. Hatch is suitable for those who like to invest daily but trade only once in a blue moon. Whereas, Stake is suitable for those who want to share trades in not just one but many different sized companies.

Final Words

Stake is the most widely used platform right now when it comes to buying US stocks from New Zealand. It is super easy to navigate and provides its users with ease and efficiency. It is also totally legit and safe so you don’t have to worry about your money at all. If you want to buy US stocks easily then sign up on Stake now!

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting $20 free when you deposit $100 or more. You can also read our full review HERE.

The post Hatch vs Stake – Which is Better? appeared first on How to Invest.

Thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

1. Amazon (AMZN)

An American multinational company with a growing profit bracket, this is a company that is one of the most sought out companies. With its shares doubling and the stock market being completely overwhelmed by this. This is the first option for anyone looking for a stock that will definitely get you profit.

2. Disney (DIS)

Disney, known by anyone and everyone because of their movies and songs. This company has managed to stay relevant and produce high budgeted entertainment for its customers year after year. From their Disney+ introduction to movies, Disney is not slowing down any time soon.

3. Apple (APPL)

Apple is the biggest tech company in the world right now. From its iPhones to its other devices, this is the best company to buy shares in. Though, due to the recent pandemic their value has dropped a little. Not enough to be undervalued but enough that you can afford to get shares in this great investment. So why wait?

4. Coca Cola (KO)

This historic American company that has provided American citizens and people of the world with the most famous beverage is up for grabs. Again because of the pandemic the vale decreased enough for customers to get to buy shares.

5. Netlix (NFLX)

Netflix is the best streaming services in America and all over the world with Hulu being a closed second. With the pandemic, the services for Netflix has increased because people are streaming Netflix more as they are stuck in their homes. So, this is the perfect time to get stock or share in this market.

6. Zoom (ZM)

Zoom is the biggest software leading company based in the USA. Though its stocks were not that good before, with the pandemic playing its role, Zoom has become the get-go for people that want to make business calls, meetings or just talk to family and friends. This is the perfect time to buy shares in this company.

7. Nike (NKE)

Nike, the popular sportswear brand that has managed to stay the top of its game for years is the best possible option for you if you are planning to buy stocks in an already established market.

8. Intel (INTC)

This multinational company is the best of the best because it offers technology services to the whole of the US. This means that during this pandemic its stocks have increased, meaning the perfect opportunity to buy a share.

9. Microsoft (MSFT)

The multinational technology company is a great stock to have a share in. With most students home-bound now and then having to work on Microsoft, the need for it is increasing thus more share profit.

10. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

This semiconductor making company that is the best in America is the best in making processors and other technology-related products that have a wide market. This is one of the top stocks in the stock market.

Final Words

These are the best of the best when it comes to the US stock market. So go ahead and see which one suits you and go for it.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

The post Top 10 Stocks to Buy on Stake appeared first on How to Invest.

Thinking about trying it out? You can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

When it comes to Stake, it does not only provide an easy way for the traders to trade shares but also makes the whole process seem like a piece of cake. This website/application is easy to use and convenient.

What is it?

Stake is an online share trading webpage which allows its users to invest and enter in the US market without high brokerage fee. Stake is different because it does not let its users deposit and invest in the number of shares, in fact it lets its users deposit in the amount of dollars, making investing easy.

Why is stake the best platform to invest in compared to others?

Following are the reasons why Stake turns out to be the best platform for investing in shares as compared to other investment platforms:

Trading Fee

What sets Stake apart from others is that it does not charge its customers with any kind of trading fee. When we look at other investment platforms, they charge a fair amount of trading fee too. Stake prioritises its customers need and deliver what they want.

Packages

Stake offers three different plans for its customers. The first plan is for free, that is no monthly charges for this plan. The second plan is for users who want unlimited use of the webpage, it is for $10 per month. Last but not the least, the third plan is known as Black which is for $19 per month and it offers unlimited features to its users. Stake has three different plans so that it can cater all kinds of customers.

Investment

As compared to other trading websites, Stake offers the largest amount of investment options exceeding up to 3500. It also caters more than 11 different US markets.

Lower Fees

As compared to other platforms, the brokerage and FX commission fee charged by Stake is very inexpensive. This one of the most attractive and highly liked features of Stake.

An Application

Like all other investment platforms like, Hatch, Sharesies etc., they only offer a webpage to their customers. What sets stake apart is that it not only offers a webpage to its customers but also an application. The application offers more functionality making it easy to use and very convenient for the users.

Final Words

Stake also allows express trading. So, if you are on the third plan, which is BLACK, you can opt for express trading so you can enter the market immediately. This is the best way to jump on a huge opportunity.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

All in all, Stake has proven to be one of the best investment platforms which is not only fast but also easy and convenient for the users. Check it out and see for yourself!

The post Why Stake Is The Best Platform To Invest In Compared to Other Stock Platforms? appeared first on How to Invest.

So, how does it work and how can you buy US stocks from New Zealand using the Stake app.

How to use Stake?

Well, first and foremost you will have to create an account on the app so you can start trading. It takes minutes and all you have to do is provide some information for you to start buying stocks in no time! Here is where you can sign up for Stake HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

Fund Your Account

After you have signed up, within 24 hours you can fund your account to start buying stocks. It offers 0% brokerage fees and so it is the best option for any New Zealander. One thing to remember before buying stocks is that you will have to pay to convert your NZD into USD.

Stake uses the Forex spot rate for this and so you will have to pay that rate while converting your currency. You can simply go to the add funds section and it will lead you to a page from where you can add or withdraw funds. You can add funds in these ways:

• Debit or Credit Card
• POLi Pay
• Bank Transfer

Once you add an amount and a payment method, it will convert your funds and they will be simply added to your Stake account.

Click “Shop”

Once you have signed up and funded your account you can then click on “Shop” in the navigation menu and begin searching for stocks to invest in. You can select from different types of stocks and you can filter them out by most-traded, most viewed, trending, etc.

Once you do your relevant search it will show all the options you can easily buy stocks from. Once you have chosen to buy a stock you can click “Add to Cart”.

Once you do it, it will give you two different options:

• If you are a basic user and don’t have much knowledge then you can simply hit the market order button. This will simply purchase several shares that you select at the given market price at that time
• If you are an advanced user then you can head into the advanced section where you can set limit orders as well

Once you have put in the amount and you are ready to buy that amount of shares you can simply checkout and your Stake profile will then show the shares you have invested in. Yes, it’s that simple!

Final Words

Stake is the most widely used platform right now when it comes to buying US stocks from New Zealand. It is super easy to navigate and provides its users with ease and efficiency. It is also totally legit and safe so you don’t have to worry about your money at all. If you want to buy US stocks easily then sign up on Stake now!

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

The post How to Buy US Stocks from New Zealand Using Stake appeared first on How to Invest.

Thinking about trying it out Stake? You can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

What is Stake?

It is an Australian based company that is privately owned. They have come up with this trading app so that you can use it to trade US stocks. However, the varieties of options you have are magnanimous. It provides its users access to over 3500 US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) all with zero commission on unlimited trades. This is exactly what makes Stake so market-competitive.

Here are some useful features of this app:

Access to stocks from the biggest names

New Zealanders will now get to invest money in major companies that are making a profit every year. Don’t believe us? Here is a list of a few brands you will have access to through Stake:

• Google
• Tesla
• Amazon
• Apple
• Facebook

These are just some of the biggest names. However, Stake will provide you with many options that are just as good.

Simple and easy-to-use design

Anyone can easily navigate their site and they have made investing look easier than ever! With the clean, sleek, and easy-to-use design you will have no problem navigating the app and you can start trading within a few minutes of downloading the app!

Comprehensive Data

Of course, before investing your money you will need data to guide your decision and so Stake provides their users with such analysis as well. In the market overview section, you can look at different stocks from various companies and read the data provided with it.

If you are fairly new to it you might want to familiarise yourself with how it works so you can understand the market data and analysis.

Fractional investing

This is by the far the most flexible feature of the app. This means that you don’t have to buy individual, instead, you can invest in minimal dollar amount as well. Of course, the minimum limit here is $10.

If you still don’t understand then allow us to explain. Let’s say one share of Tesla goes for $1000. However, you can choose to invest $100. On the other hand, if you invest $1500, then that means you would own one and a half (1.5) shares.

Pros of Stake

• No trading fee
• Search for stock options by industry, region, sector, etc
• Lets you trade on unsettled funds as well
• The forex rate that is offered is the spot rate
• You don’t need to pay a monthly fee for standard trading features
• No brokerage fee
• User—friendly
• Opportunities for day traders as well

Cons of Stake

• Only offers US stocks and no other foreign market
• Offers premium accounts with monthly fees
• Joint accounts are not offered
• Data might be too technical for newbies

Final Words

Stake has taken the investment game to the next level with such an app. It is way ahead of its competitors and probably the best among them out there right now. If you want to invest in US stocks from New Zealand then this is your best bet. Stake has a service like no other.

If you are new to Stake or thinking about trying it out, you can do so by clicking HERE and getting a free stock from GoPro, Dropbox or Nike.

Our rating: 4.5/5

The post Stake Review – Should You Use It? appeared first on How to Invest.