International Stocks in a Roth IRA?
Question:
I am a fairly seasoned investor and know what I'm doing when it comes to making picks, and have invested overseas many times in the past, but have always done so through a broker based in the part of the world where I am investing. I want to add some more international exposure to my retirement accounts, but have not been able to find a US brokerage -- which I must use to house a tax-preferred retirement account --
that can facilitate foreign SECURITIES purchases.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a US brokerage firm that offers to be a Roth IRA custodian AND sell or facilitate the sale of foreign securities?
Answer:
Well might be able to help you a little maybe. Many foreign stock are traded in the U S as ADRs. There are also many closed end funds that are country specific investments. You might investigate these and see if it will help solve your problem. Also some foreign stocks that are not ADRs trade on the pink sheets. I know. I own one.
This site lists all ADRs
http://www.adrbny.com/home_investor.jsp...
This site lists closed end funds trading country specific stocks among others.
http://www.etfconnect.com/
This site lists the pink sheet stocks
http://www.pinksheets.com/index.jsp...
If you call one of the large brokerage houses such as Goldman Sacs they may very well be able to set you up to trade on foreign exchanges.
My personal preference is to buy the closed end funds and the ADRs. Makes life a little more simple.
The post concerning ADR's, etc. is generally correct. However, stocks listed only on foreign exchanges may not be held in a roth ira. "Foreign investments should be limited to ADRs and domestically sponsored mutual funds." That may explain why you are having trouble finding a US brokerage which will facilitate foreign securities purchases- it is not legal. The attached link explains the limitations.
With all the etfs & closed end funds available now not sure why this is an issue. The issue of legality just the nail in coffin. EWA looks very attractive
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