Vanguard ETF query from a beginner

tom.tagine.adams

As an investing beginner, I have a simple question.

If I want to invest in a specific stock using vanguard, do I need to do this via an ETF?

I currently have an index fund up and running, but have found a specific stock that I am keen on investing in too.

I've looked all over the vanguard site but can't seem to find a way to locate this specific stock, so I'm wondering if an ETF is the way?

If this is the best/only way to do this, am I correct in thinking that I can buy 1 share when the market opens, then sell it in about a month and pay minimal fees?

Also, I have a vanguard general account. Would I need a special account to use ETF's?

Thanks!

EdGasketTheSecond

If you want to buy a specific stock e.g. Tesco, then you need a broker like Hargreaves Lansdowne, iWeb, Halifax etc. Then you just fund the account and buy the stock. It would be helpful to know what the stock is, then you will get better advice.

tom.tagine.adams

Oh, well, it's ticker is "XOI"

Username999

XOI is not a specific stock, it's an Oil Companies Index.

dunstonh

Vanguard's platform is own-brand funds only.  You need a whole of market platform (or a share dealing service)

Alistair31

I wish you much beginners luck. 

Albermarle

You are a self confessed beginner but you want to gamble on oil stocks ……….

Thrugelmir

One wonders how beginners arrive at a point of considering buying such investments. 

tom.tagine.adams

Congratulations to the above commenter for successfully reading my post.

I would also like to remind you of your comment footer: "In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable." - Robert Arnott

AnotherJoe

tom.tagine.adams said:

Congratulations to the above commenter for successfully reading my post.

I would also like to remind you of your comment footer: "In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable." - Robert Arnott

That doesn't mean the reverse is true. I can think of many things that would make me uncomfortable that would also be bad investments.

I'm also not sure I agree with it, I am invested in many things I am comfortable with that have made good profits (or growth i suppose, not profits til taken, right?)  Of course, others may be uncomfortable with them.

So its a trite  statement, a bit like the Arthur C Clark one about magic.

Anyway, bear in mind when you invest in XOI its a double gamble, in that the dollar is heavily involved as well probably more so than with other non sterling investments.

I take it, as a self confessed newbie, you are aware you are investing in companies in oil related industries, not the actual price of oil?  Although often theres a close match, this may become disconnected. All IMNSHO of course. Good luck.

thickasabrick

tom.tagine.adams said:

As an investing beginner, I have a simple question.

If I want to invest in a specific stock using vanguard, do I need to do this via an ETF?

I currently have an index fund up and running, but have found a specific stock that I am keen on investing in too.

I've looked all over the vanguard site but can't seem to find a way to locate this specific stock, so I'm wondering if an ETF is the way?

If this is the best/only way to do this, am I correct in thinking that I can buy 1 share when the market opens, then sell it in about a month and pay minimal fees?

Also, I have a vanguard general account. Would I need a special account to use ETF's?

Thanks!

You can only invest in Vanguard funds listed on the Vanguard platform. Browse to
 https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/what-we-offer/all-products
Select the "What we offer" menu, select "Our full list of funds"
There are different types listed
LifeStrategy funds
Target retirement funds
Index and active funds
ETFs
 If you want to invest in a specific stock which is not listed on their platform you will need to open an account with another provider. 
See one of the regular posters on here spreadsheet for a comparison of providers Coolly Comparing Investment Platform charges - SnowMan's spreadsheet
If you are using a stocks and shares ISA to hold the investment you may have to do an ISA transfer to the other provider due to rules about paying into ISAs in the current tax year.