For many Filipino investors, the US stock market represents opportunity: access to the world’s biggest companies, exposure to global trends like AI and cloud computing, and the stability of the dollar-denominated market. Names like Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Tesla are not just global brands—they are investment vehicles that many Filipinos want exposure to.
Today, this is no longer limited to institutions or ultra-high-net-worth individuals. With platforms like Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and GoTrade, Filipinos can legally and efficiently invest in or trade US stocks—even while earning and saving in pesos.
This guide explains how to trade or invest in the US stock market, which platform fits your profile, and how to think strategically depending on your capital, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Why Filipinos Are Looking at the US Stock Market
Before discussing platforms, it’s important to understand why the US market is attractive:
- Depth and Liquidity – The US stock market is the most liquid in the world, making it easier to enter and exit positions.
- World-Class Companies – Most global technology, consumer, and financial leaders are listed in the US.
- Dollar Exposure – Investing in US stocks provides a natural hedge against peso depreciation.
- More Instruments – Stocks, ETFs, options, REITs, bonds, and futures are widely available.
- Transparency and Regulation – Strong disclosure rules and investor protections.
For Filipinos used to the PSE’s limited sector exposure and lower trading volume, the US market offers diversification that is hard to match locally.
Two Paths to the US Market: IBKR vs GoTrade
Choosing the right broker is critical when you want to invest in US stocks from the Philippines. While both platforms give you access to Wall Street, they serve very different types of Filipino investors.
IBKR vs GoTrade: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) |
GoTrade |
|
Best For |
High-net-worth & serious investors |
Retail & beginner investors |
|
Capital Requirement |
Best for millions of pesos |
Can start with small amounts |
|
Minimum Investment |
No strict minimum, but higher practical entry |
Very low (fractional shares) |
|
Fractional Shares |
Limited |
Yes |
|
Markets Available |
US + Global markets |
Primarily US market |
|
Instruments |
Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds |
Stocks & ETFs |
|
Fees |
Very low, institutional-grade |
Simple, beginner-friendly |
|
Platform |
Advanced desktop & web tools |
Mobile-first app |
|
Learning Curve |
Steep |
Very easy |
|
Ideal Strategy |
Long-term investing, active trading |
Buy-and-hold, dollar-cost averaging |
This table alone can help most Filipinos quickly decide which US stock trading app fits their goals.
While there are several international brokers available, IBKR and GoTrade have become popular among Filipino investors because they cater to very different profiles.
Think of it this way:
- IBKR is for serious capital and advanced investors
- GoTrade is for retail investors and beginners who want simple US market access
Let’s break them down.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR): For Big Capital and Serious Investors
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the largest and most respected global brokerage firms. It is designed for professionals, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals—but Filipinos with sufficient capital can also use it.
Who Should Use IBKR?
IBKR makes sense if:
- You have millions of pesos to invest
- You plan to invest long-term or manage a large portfolio
- You want access to ETFs, options, futures, bonds, and global markets
- You value low commissions and institutional-grade tools
Key Strengths of IBKR
- Very Low Fees – Ideal for large trades and long-term investing.
- Global Market Access – Trade not only US stocks, but also Europe, Asia, and other markets.
- Advanced Tools – Portfolio analytics, risk management, margin optimization.
- Professional Credibility – Widely used by hedge funds and asset managers.
Considerations for Filipino Investors
IBKR is powerful, but it is not beginner-friendly:
- The interface can feel complex
- Funding often requires international wire transfers
- Tax reporting and documentation require more discipline
If you are managing serious capital and treat investing like a business, IBKR is worth the learning curve.
Bottom line: If you have millions of pesos and want professional-grade access to the US market, IBKR is the platform for you. https://www.interactivebrokers.com/
GoTrade: For Retail Investors and First-Time US Traders
GoTrade has rapidly become popular in the Philippines because it removes most of the friction involved in US investing.
Who Should Use GoTrade?
GoTrade is ideal if:
- You are a retail investor
- You want to start with small amounts
- You want simple exposure to US stocks and ETFs
- You prefer a mobile-first, user-friendly app
Why GoTrade Works for Filipinos
- Low Minimums – You can start with a few thousand pesos.
- Fractional Shares – Buy portions of expensive stocks like Amazon or Google.
- Peso-Friendly Funding – Easier onboarding for Philippine users.
- Simple Interface – No intimidating trading screens.
GoTrade removes the feeling that US investing is “only for the rich.” You can dollar-cost average into US stocks monthly, just like you would with local investments.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
- Fewer advanced instruments
- Limited trading tools
- Best suited for buy-and-hold investing, not active trading
Bottom line: If you are a Filipino retail investor who wants easy access to the US market, GoTrade is the app for you. https://heygotrade.com/referral/?code=520686 | Get a free stock using this code
Investing (Long-Term)
If your goal is wealth-building:
- Focus on ETFs (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100)
- Invest in high-quality companies with strong fundamentals
- Use dollar-cost averaging
- Ignore short-term noise
This approach works very well on both IBKR and GoTrade.
Trading (Short-Term)
If your goal is active trading:
- Understand technical analysis and risk management
- Use strict position sizing
- Accept that losses are part of the process
IBKR is more suitable for serious traders due to its tools and execution quality.
Practical Tips for Filipino Investors
1. Manage FX Risk – You earn in pesos but invest in dollars. Plan conversions wisely.
2. Understand Taxes – US dividends are subject to withholding tax.
3. Diversify – Don’t put all your capital in one stock or sector.
4. Think Long-Term – Time in the market beats timing the market.
5. Start Small, Scale Up – Especially if you’re new to US stocks.
For Filipinos searching online for how to invest in US stocks, the most important decision is choosing a platform that matches your capital and experience.
- Choose IBKR if you have millions of pesos, want low fees at scale, and need professional-grade tools.
- Choose GoTrade if you are a retail investor who wants an easy way to invest in US stocks from the Philippines.
No matter which app you use, success in the US stock market comes from long-term thinking, disciplined investing, and continuous learning. With IBKR or GoTrade, Filipinos now have real access to Wall Street—use it wisely.
The US stock market is no longer out of reach for Filipinos. Whether you are investing ₱10,000 a month or managing millions of pesos, there is a platform that fits your needs.
- Use IBKR if you have significant capital and want professional-grade access.
- Use GoTrade if you are a retail investor who wants simple, affordable exposure to US stocks.
What matters most is not the app—it’s discipline, consistency, and a clear strategy. With the right mindset, US stocks can become a powerful part of your long-term financial plan.
