Expert: Paul Henneman - 6/13/2005

Question
Can students invest in international markets? I am a student in Pakistan. And if a student can invest than the minimum price of investment is how much?

Answer
Usman,
    Thank you for your question! Yes, students can invest in just about anything. There are age requirements for most trading services and brokerage firms that you need to make the investments. Typically this age is 18, so if you are older than that you can invest.
    The minimum amount of investment can vary widely depending upon the type of investment you are interested in. For example, most mutual funds have a one or two thousand dollar (US Currency) minimum investment. However, many brokerage firms here have no minimum if you want to invest directly in stocks. Some of the firms I am aware of are www.scottrade.com, www.ameritrade.com, www.foliofn.com, www.etrade.com   There are many others, some of these have minimums but most do not.
   However, keep in mind that you will have to pay trading costs to buy or sell a stock or other investment. This will take up all of your profits if your investment is too small. I would suggest that at least $2,000 is needed before you consider any investments. If you currently have less than that, it would be best to open a money market account to save over time.  I think one of the best money market accounts is at www.NetBank.com
   I hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to follow up with me if I can be of any additional service,

Sincerely,
Paul Henneman
President
ValuEngine, Inc.
www.ValuEngine.com
www.VEInstitutional.com
www.VEReports.com