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Hi Patrick,

I've started using Standard Bank's Webtrader account. I think its very good as there is no minimum limit that you can start at unlike PSG that wasn't interested unless I had minimum R250k and then they invest it for you...

A few lessons I have learnt in the first year:
1. It's a USD based account so if you buy shares in Germany for example you are subject to USD/EUR exchange rate (duh! I didn't consider that initially). And in the last year that has caused some destruction in value for me. Bought shares at 1.24 EUR/USD and its now 1.13 EUR/USD and even though I'm making a profit, the exchange rate has caused a significant loss. SBG did tell me that they are launching a EUR based account in Q1 (hopefully) and then I hope they can transfer my EUR shares to that account.
2. The fees to transfer money overseas is significant. R200k will cost you R800-00 approximately. And obviously as per standard Bank operation 1% difference between the USD/ZAR spot rate.
3. Monthly fees are linked to the amount invested. I think its 0.005%.
4. Trading fees aren't cheap about $20 per trade

I have been buying myself some SCHD (Schwab Strategic Trust) dividend ETFs as I'd like an overseas income stream and to recover the fees expended.

You are lucky to have a US bank account or an overseas one for that matter...

Hi Conradl

I am interested in the SB webtrader account as well, but I have a few (stupid) questions.

1) What is the process to transfer money overseas? Do you deposit it into the Webtrader account directly & SB then converts it to USD?
2) Is it fairly easy to buy etfs? I would like to buy 1 once every 2 months or so.
3) Does the account include historical performance of shares etc?
4) Are the trading fees % based or is the $20 the minimum trade value?
5) The monthly cost that you stated as 0.005%, is that the only cost or is there a Rand value monthly cost as well like the normal online share trading account @ SB?

It does seem to be one of the cheaper ways to invest offshore even though its more effort on my side...

Thanks in advance!
J

Hi all

Just thought I would share, if I understand the SENS correctly http://www.sharenet.co.za/free/sens/disp_news.phtml?tdate=20150716101200&seq=25&scheme=default the dividend should be paid on 21 July @ 24.93c net.

Thanks Mr_Dividend & Patrick.

Any ideas on when to expect the next dividend pay out? I am sort of seeing a pattern, but still not sure.