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US stock trading guides
The mechanics: accounts, tax forms, order types, costs and the specific rules that catch people out.
New here? Start with how to buy US stocks, then CFDs versus owning the share — that one distinction determines your tax, your dividends and your maximum loss.
How to buy US stocks, step by step
How do I buy US stocks?
US share CFDs vs owning the stock
What is the difference between a share CFD and owning the share?
The W-8BEN form explained
What is a W-8BEN and do I need one?
Penny stocks: what the risk actually is
Are penny stocks worth trading?
The pattern day trader rule
What is the pattern day trader rule?
US market hours, pre-market and after-hours
When is the US stock market open?
Fractional shares explained
What are fractional shares and should I use them?
US dividend withholding tax for foreign investors
How much tax is withheld on US dividends?
Limit orders vs market orders
Should I use a market order or a limit order?
Index funds vs picking individual stocks
Should I buy individual US stocks or just an index fund?
Position sizing for stock traders
How much of my portfolio should one stock be?
How shorting a US stock works
How do I short a US stock?
How to read a US earnings report
What should I look at in an earnings report?
What trading US stocks actually costs
What are the real costs of trading US stocks?
How to buy a specific stock
Reviewed August 2026. Information only — not investment, tax or legal advice.