Indian Investment Platforms Expand Retail Access to US Stocks
Indian brokerage platforms are launching US equity trading features as retail investors seek diversification amid local market underperformance and a lack of domestic AI companies.
Several major Indian online investment platforms are expanding retail access to United States stock markets, breaking a traditional barrier that limited global investing to wealthy clients using international banks. Groww has already launched a trading feature providing access to more than 10,000 stocks and exchange-traded funds, while Zerodha is currently beta testing a similar service. Angel One is also reportedly planning a launch for its 6.7 million active retail clients.
Retail investors are primarily targeting US technology leaders, including Nvidia, SpaceX, Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Micron, and Meta. This shift follows a period of divergence between markets; the Nifty 50 dropped nearly 13% this year, while the S&P 500 gained 12%. Investors are also seeking exposure to artificial intelligence companies not available in the Indian market and hedging against the depreciation of the Indian rupee.
Data from the Reserve Bank of India indicates a sharp rise in outward capital flow. Resident Indians sent over $321 million overseas for equity and debt investments in August, representing a 111% increase compared to the previous year.
