Could I get some advice on buying US stocks through iWeb?

bowlhead99

Alz1986 said:

Avoid Scottish Mortgage, especially if you are a newbie. It is volatile and not suitable for those who have not experienced good times in the stock markets. 

oi_oi_oi said:

Is £5.5k enough to build a portfolio of more than 15 US shares? No.

I think it is. There is no "minimum" amount, all things considered.

I would say depending on how much time you have in your monthly schedule, buying individual shares will out-do the funds. With your £5.5k maybe consider using bulk of it 55-65% for funds, and the remainder to buy up shares which have consistancy. This way you'll be protected if any share price takes a tumble. I've found this sustainable and profitable. Personally, I would avoid US shares, there are plenty of British FTSE 250 and AIM stocks which are generating great returns.

Hmm. So the advice is:
- don't buy Scottish Mortgage as a way to access the interesting sounding companies you like, because it has a concentrated selection of 50 growth stocks and so could be volatile.

- instead use £2000-2500 to build a portfolio of stocks yourself, as there's no practical minimum on how much is efficient to put into any one holding at £5 per buy and sell.

- avoid the largest stock market in the world for your hand-picked portfolio and simply buy the small and mid size UK companies which have been giving great returns and hope that what goes up doesn't come down.

I expect in not the only regular reader to spot flaws or contradictions in that plan

A_T

Alz1986 said:

Avoid Scottish Mortgage, especially if you are a newbie. It is volatile and not suitable for those who have not experienced good times in the stock markets. An alternative I would suggest is Manchester & London which pays a decent dividend.

MNL is no less volatile than SMT. And I presume you meant "not experienced bad times"?