How to Buy Stocks or Shares in Singapore? A Complete Guide to Investing in Singapore

Table of Contents

1. What are Stocks and Shares?

2. Important Things to Know Before Investing in Singapore Stocks and Shares

- Benefits and Risks

- Features of Stocks and Shares in Singapore

- Fees

- Value, Growth, and Dividend Investing

- Your Investor Profile - Investment Timeframe, Goals, Risk Level

3. How to Buy Shares and Stocks in Singapore

- Open a Central Depository (CDP) Account

- Open an Online Brokerage Account

- Fund Your Account

- Choose a Stock - Blue Chip Stocks, ETFs, or REITs

- Purchase the stock

4. Final Thoughts about Investing in Stock and Shares in Singapore

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Welcome to the exciting realm of investing in Singapore's stock market! This comprehensive guide will simplify the process for you, starting with breaking down complex financial jargon and explaining the implications of stocks and shares in the business world. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and secure your financial future. More importantly, you will know how you can start investing in stocks or shares in Singapore. Let's kickstart this exciting journey together!

What are Stocks and Shares?

Stocks and shares are synonymous terms often used interchangeably in the world of investing, both referring to financial instruments that signify ownership in a corporation. These securities serve as a claim on part of the company's assets and earnings. In other words, when you buy a company's stock, you are purchasing a small piece of that company, effectively becoming a shareholder.

As a shareholder, you are entitled to a portion of the company's assets and earnings proportional to how much stock you own. In practice, earnings from the company can translate into dividends distributed to shareholders. The following table describes what each of these terms mean:

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Shareholders also often have voting rights in the company, meaning they can vote on certain corporate policies and on the selection of the board of directors. The more shares you own, the more significant your vote. However, it is important to understand that owning stock does not give you a direct say in the day-to-day operations of the business. Instead, as a shareholder, you invest in the potential growth and profits of the company.

So, buying stocks and shares is not just about making a purchase; it is about investing in a company's future, sharing in its success, and having a say in its direction. In essence, you become a part of the company's journey.

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Important Things to Know Before Investing in Singapore Stocks and Shares

Benefits and Risks

Investing in stocks and shares presents both exciting benefits and potential risks. One of the most significant advantages is the potential for high returns. Unlike traditional savings accounts or bonds, stocks have the capacity to deliver substantial gains over time. Investors can benefit from capital appreciation if the stock price increases.

Moreover, many companies offer dividends to their shareholders, which can provide a steady stream of income. Dividends are a portion of the company's profits distributed to its shareholders regularly. This income can be reinvested or used to supplement an investor's cash flow. 

However, the stock market is known for its volatility, and this introduces risks. Stock prices can fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably due to various factors such as economic conditions, industry performance, company news, and geopolitical events. As a result, investors may experience losses, especially if they sell their shares during market downturns or periods of significant volatility.

Features of Stocks and Shares in Singapore

In Singapore, stocks and shares are traded on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), providing a platform for investors to participate in the nation's vibrant and dynamic economy. The SGX offers a diverse range of companies to invest in, including blue-chip companies with a long-standing reputation for stability and growth, as well as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that provide opportunities to invest in real estate assets.

Fees

When making investments in shares in Singapore, investors must be aware of various fees involved. These typically include brokerage fees, which are charged by the broker for facilitating the trade. Additionally, there are clearing fees, covering the cost of clearing and settling the trade on the exchange. Goods and services tax (GST) is also applicable on the brokerage and clearing fees. It is crucial for investors to consider these costs when making investment decisions, as they can impact overall returns.

Value, Growth, and Dividend Investing

Investors can adopt different investment strategies to align with their goals and risk appetite. When investing in shares in Singapore, three popular approaches adopted are value investing, growth investing, and dividend investing.

-          Value Investing:

This strategy involves seeking out stocks that are trading at prices below their intrinsic value, as determined by fundamental analysis. Investors believe that the market may have undervalued these stocks, and their price is likely to increase in the future.

-          Growth Investing:

Growth investors focus on companies that are expected to experience above-average growth rates compared to other companies in the market. They invest in companies with strong potential for expansion, driven by factors such as innovative products, increasing market share, or expanding into new markets.

-          Dividend Investing:

Dividend investors prioritize stocks of companies that consistently distribute dividends to their shareholders. This approach aims to generate a steady income stream, particularly attractive to investors seeking a reliable source of passive income.

To sum up, here is a table of pros and cons for each approach:

Your Investor Profile - Investment Timeframe, Goals, Risk Level

Before diving into the stock market, it is essential for investors to assess their own profile. This involves understanding their investment timeframe, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

-          Investment Timeframe:

Investors should determine how long they plan to hold their investments. Short-term investors might focus on quick gains, while long-term investors may aim for sustained growth over several years.

-          Financial Goals:

Identifying specific financial goals, such as retirement planning, buying a home, or funding education, helps investors tailor their investment strategy to achieve these objectives.

-          Risk Level:

Assessing one's risk tolerance is crucial, as it influences the types of investments that are most suitable. Some individuals may be comfortable with higher risks for the potential of greater returns, while others may prioritize capital preservation and opt for more conservative investments.

By understanding these aspects of their investor profile, individuals can make more informed decisions and build a well-suited investment portfolio that aligns with their unique circumstances and aspirations. Regularly reviewing and adjusting this profile as circumstances change is also essential to ensure investments remain on track to meet financial goals.

How to Buy Shares and Stocks in Singapore

The process to setting up share and stock investments in Singapore involves a series of strategic steps, each vital to ensuring a successful and smooth initiation into your investing journey.

1.       Open a Central Depository (CDP) Account

First and foremost, you will need to open a Central Depository (CDP) account. Managed by the Singapore Exchange (SGX), a CDP account is a crucial starting point as it serves as a custodian for the Singapore stocks and shares you acquire. Having a CDP account ensures that your ownership of securities is properly documented and protected.

Requirements to open a CDP account:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You cannot be an undischarged bankrupt.

To open a CDP account, you will need:

1. A Singapore Bank Account 

• Citibank NA (Citibank)
• DBS Bank Ltd (DBS/POSB)
• Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank)
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC)
• Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)
• The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)
• United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB)

2. Tax Identification Number (Your NRIC)
3. A Photographed or Scanned Copy of Your Signature

If you have a tax residency status outside Singapore, you will need to provide the following:

1. Country of Tax Residency
2. Tax Identification Number
3. Completed Form-W9

You can open a CDP account online with SGX, or simply click here to access the form.

2.       Open an Online Brokerage Account

Once you have a CDP account, the next step is to open an online brokerage account. This account acts as an intermediary between you, the investor, and the stock market. It is through this platform that you will place your orders to buy or sell stocks. There is a plethora of brokerage platforms available in Singapore, each with varying commission rates, features, and user interfaces. Make sure you do your homework, compare different platforms, and select the one that aligns best with your investment needs and preferences.

The specific requirements for opening an online brokerage account may vary slightly between different platforms, but the general requirements typically include:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Ownership of CDP account.
• Proof of identity (NRIC/Passport/Work Permit/Employment Pass).
• Proof of address (Provided via Utility bills/Bank statements).

Once you have met the requirements, you can sign up with your preferred brokerage firm. Popular brokerage platforms include:

• DBS Vickers
• OCBC Securities
• UOB Kay Hian
• Philip Securities
• Interactive Brokers
• Saxo
• Webull Singapore

3.       Fund Your Account

After you have opened your brokerage account, you will need to fund it. You can do this by transferring money from your bank account. This capital is what you will use to purchase shares or stocks. Keep in mind, investing involves risks, so ensure that you are only investing money that you can afford to lose.

4.       Choose a Stock - Blue Chip Stocks, ETFs, or REITs

With a funded account, you are now ready to choose which stocks to buy. You could opt for blue-chip stocks, which are shares from large, well-established companies known for their financial stability, reliability, and a consistent record of stable earnings.

Think of companies like DBS Group, Singtel, or Keppel Corp. Alternatively, you could consider Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which are funds that track indexes like the Straits Times Index (STI).

ETFs provide diversification since they invest in the multiple companies that comprise the index. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are another attractive option, offering investors a way to invest in property without the need to buy actual real estate.

5.       Purchase the stock

You are now at the final step - buying and investing in shares in Singapore. But remember, patience is a virtue in investing. Do not rush into buying. Thoroughly research the companies you are interested in, assess their financial health, their potential for growth, and the stability of their earnings. Make sure you understand the risks associated with investing in stocks and do not hesitate to seek advice from financial professionals. Once you have done your due diligence and feel confident in your choice, place your order through your brokerage account.

Final Thoughts about Investing in Stock and Shares in Singapore

It is essential to understand that investing in shares in Singapore, while potentially profitable, is not without risks. The value of shares can fluctuate significantly due to various factors including corporate performance, economic conditions, and market sentiment. Consequently, while you may see substantial growth in your wealth, there is also a possibility of experiencing losses.

Moreover, investing in stocks requires substantial research, ongoing monitoring of your investments, and a clear understanding of market trends and financial analysis. It can be time-consuming and requires a fair amount of financial acumen.

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Moreover, investing in Kilde does not demand extensive financial knowledge or constant monitoring of market trends. The platform does the heavy lifting for you, making it a relatively hassle-free and user-friendly alternative for growing your wealth.

To sum up, while investing in stocks and shares in Singapore is an exciting prospect that can lead to significant financial gains, it is not the only path to growing your wealth. Alternative investment platforms like Kilde can offer comparable, if not higher, returns with a different risk profile. As always, the key is to diversify your portfolio, understand the associated risks, and choose investment avenues that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

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_{*KILDE PTE LTD (“Kilde”) is incorporated in Singapore (registration no. 201929587K) is licenced and regulated by the Monetary Authority Singapore and holds a Capital Markets Services Licence (CMS101016) and an Exempted Financial Advisor License under the Financial Adviser Act. The information provided in this marketing material is intended for “accredited investors” and “institutional investors” (collectively “qualified persons”) only. This marketing material, and any information in this marketing material, or any documentation that Kilde provides in relation to this marketing material is provided without any representation or any kind of warranties whatsoever (whether express or implied by law).}

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