UK and International Stock Markets

As well as the London Stock Exchange you can trade shares on 6 other international markets.

Opening Hours

Stock Market

Local Times

UK Times

London (LSE)

08.00 – 16.30

New York (NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX)

09.30 – 16.00

14.30 – 21.00

Frankfurt (XETRA)

09.00 – 17.30

08.00 – 16.30

Milan (MTA)

09.00 – 17.25

08.00 – 16.25

Paris (EURONEXT)

09.00 – 17.30

08.00 – 16.30

Amsterdam (EURONEXT)

09.00 – 17.30

08.00 – 16.30

Brussels (EURONEXT)

09.00 – 17.30

08.00 – 16.30

These times may change. For example, the US market opening times will be affected by Daylight Savings Time.

Charges

You will pay £5 commission for every UK or international trade you place.

When trading international equities foreign currency conversions are required to facilitate the settlement of the transaction. We apply a charge of 1.5% either side of the available exchange rate when buying and selling international securities. The available exchange rate is based on the exchange rate provided by Digital Look. Indicative exchange rates are provided prior to trading, and the rate applicable to the individual trade is confirmed on the contract note once the deal has been completed.

Risks

Foreign markets will involve different risks to UK markets. In some cases the risks will be greater.

Culture

Language and cultural differences between the UK and foreign markets may mean that there is a lack of information, or difficulty in obtaining information you may consider important to your trading decisions.

Currency Risks

When trading on foreign markets or in foreign denominated contracts, the potential profit or loss arising from such transactions can be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

Economy and Politics

General economic and political factors such as inflation or fluctuations in interest rates within the UK may impact overseas markets. In addition, there may be no correlation between the general economic outlook and market conditions within the UK as compared to foreign markets. These may be less or more favorable.

Emerging Markets

Emerging markets tend to be less developed than the UK model and this can lead to greater volatility in securities pricing. This can mean the value of your investments may quickly change.

Shareholder Rights

As a shareholder who is resident in a different jurisdiction to that of the company you're invested in, you may find that you're excluded from certain shareholder rights and benefits. For example, the ability to participate in corporate events, such as Rights Issues.

This means that you might not receive the same treatment as other shareholders and you could suffer economic losses as a result.

Taxation

Tax laws in other countries are different to those in the UK. In many countries the local tax authorities will withhold an amount of tax which exceeds the rate which would apply in the UK. In particular it's worth remembering that ISAs and SIPPs will only shelter you from UK tax.

The treatment of tax is therefore likely to affect the value of and any returns you might expect from foreign investments.

Trading and Settlement

Trading volumes in foreign markets can be smaller than those in the UK. This can mean that reduced liquidity in overseas markets makes it more difficult to sell shares you have bought. Delays in settlement may also occur.

Share Dealing

Risk warning

Please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest.

We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor.

The IWeb Share Dealing Service is operated by Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Registered in England No. 3195646. Registered Office: Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2RG. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HS. A Member of the London Stock Exchange and an HM Revenue & Customs Approved ISA Manager