Hi,

I am looking into potentially purchasing some international stocks direct via a brokerage and am started to do some preliminary research (currency,fees, economic conditions, etc). I already have international exposure in my portfolio via mutual funds...my preference to buy actual shares and not depend on a mutual fund which may sell their positions at any point.

As part of the process I am currently evaluating brokerages that allow you to purchase stocks in international markets. As always when I do my research I like direct feedback from folks who have done this.

So.. if your purchasing international stocks (to be clear..stocks not the DOW, NASDAQ, etc) via a brokerage

Which brokerage are you using?
Likes/Dislikes?
Issues?
Recommendations?

JMHO probably better to buy an a country or regional index through your regular brokerage (fees may add up to less than with mutual funds if you don't trade often)
most never saw Enron coming, who knows what's going on with foreign companies (fraud is more likely?)

thanks for your feedback.. so far the fees are a bit pricey..theres the option of ADR's as well (which I am researching) but they may not have the stock that I want.

There seems to be a high number of people in my family who have/had their own companies (my father, both grandfather's, all of my Mom's sister's , host of aunt's, uncle's and cousin's). I'm only revealing this is because they all took risks..I guess I'm just not truly afraid of risk..because 1) I don't risk my foundation 2) My moves are calculated 3) Failure is awesome, because it's gives me an opportunity to learn. (yes I really believe that based on what I have experienced so far) 4) growing up around a bunch of go-getters

I love the challenge and look forward to the education. If anyone has information or tips..please share.

No one? where are the rebels

Obviously, not too many people directly buy foreign companies on foreign exchanges. I'm not even sure if the brokers I've used offer that. There is a brokerage that advertises constantly on CNBC now who advertises you can buy on foreign exchanges, but I can't remember the name now.

Personally I think knowledgeably investing direct in foreign stocks would be particularly hard even if you have a lot of time on your hands. Public company information disclosure is very poor, and channels for that very undeveloped, in nearly all countries outside the U.S., by our standards - even in major European markets. That presents opportunity also I suppose, but it's more of a blind risk.

If I were seeking more risk I'd probably just dabble in options on US stocks.

International stocks are on a tear. My TRP New asia fund YTD is 56%. I reccomend investing in international stocks through quality mutual fund companies like TRP. I reccomend reading Stocks for the long run by Jeremy Siegel especially chapter 10 on global investing.