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As with the UK, different countries have different market indices to provide an at-a-glance guide to how the market, or particular sectors of it, are doing.

In this part of the site you’ll find information about these different indices, each with its own chart so you can see its performance over time.

International indices >

To look at UK indices and sectors, or to search for individual UK company shares, go to UK Shares >

When you are investing in a company whose shares are primarily listed in a currency other than sterling, you will have some exposure to currency fluctuations: this can be both in relation to the share price and to any dividend income.

We only trade in sterling and in Stocks that are settled via CREST. We use a London-based Market Maker to buy and sell international stocks.  The price you will be quoted will be based upon the stock’s ‘home’ market price subject to a variable factor to cover the Market Maker’s costs and risk, in relation to both holding the position and the foreign exchange exposure.

We are unable to trade in overseas stocks when either we or the 'home' market are closed for public holidays. Trading hours for overseas market vary: you can check trading times on the 'What's traded when' page, or by calling us.

In general, we are unable to accept limit or stop orders on international shares when placed online but our Dealers may be able to arrange a limit order for telephone orders.

Before investing in US stocks for the first time with us you will need to complete and return to us a W8-BEN form. This enables UK investors to claim exemption from paying US tax on dividends and interest from shares traded in the US, as such income will already fall under UK income tax rules.

Find out more and download a W8-BEN form here

Investors in overseas stocks may be subject to local taxation requirements (e.g. holders of Spanish listed shares (e.g. Banco Santander, Grupo Ferrovial) will be required to fill in a tax return in respect of gains made): you should check details with your tax or financial adviser.