Cheapest local platform to use for US Shares

[Goliath]

Hi guys, what is the cheapest platform in SA(like FNB Sharebuilder etc) that I can use to buy US Shares like Apple etc for instance as I have no clue.. Got a FNB Share Investor where I invest in the local shares but want to buy some US Shares as well, looking forward to the responses thanks..

 

[Cius]

Don't think you can purchase US shares directly from SA. The only Rand denominated option I have heard of that is anywhere close is Deutsche Bank's EFT's that represent certain countries. For instance they have a DBX USA ETF that gives you a diversified version of the USA's top companies in similar fashion to the SATRIX40 giving you coverage of SA's top shares. Check out for other options hitting SA here:
http://www.etfsa.co.za/ETF_quicksheet.htm

If you want to buy individual shares you need to get tax clearance, move money offshore, and open a broking account in the specific country. I know people who have London and NY accounts who trade on those markets from SA but its a bit of a process to do.

Last bit of advice, don't buy Apple. The new CEO has no clue. Now that Jobs is dead Apple will tank over time as Jobs was the heart and soul of their innovation process. Apple will not be able to keep up with newer products. They will look like Blackberry and Nokia in not too long. Rather look for a new hungry company that is growing market share like Samsung (probably too late already as they seem to be peaking) or a newer company that is showing signs of innovation like Huawei.