Always remember that investments can go down as well as up in value, so you could get back less than you put in. A rule of thumb is to hang on to your investments for at least five years to give them the best chance of providing the returns you want.

How to Buy Facebook (META) Shares in the UK

Updated On: May 23, 2023
How to Buy Facebook (META) Shares UK

Contents:

If you’re interested in investing in technology and innovation, Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms Inc. (META), could be an ideal stock for you. But how do you buy Facebook shares if you’re based in the UK? In this article, we’ll walk you through how to buy Facebook stock for beginners, guiding you on everything you need to know to get started, including the different ways to invest and the best time to buy.

How to Buy Facebook Shares in the UK

You can buy Facebook (Meta Platforms Inc.) shares in the UK from reputable stockbrokers such as eToro, Freetrade, and Interactive Investor.

Depending on your budget, attitude to risk, and investment objectives, there are several other ways to buy Facebook shares in the UK, including buying Facebook shares through a fractional share provider, mutual fund or ETF, investment trust, and even contracts for difference (CFDs).

We’ll cover each method in turn below:

1. Buying Facebook Shares Through a Broker

One of the most common ways to invest in Facebook shares is through a broker. A broker is a financial institution that allows you to buy and sell stocks on the stock market. In the UK, there are many different brokers to choose from, including traditional full-service brokers and online discount brokers.


Featured Broker

eToro Logo

Invest in Meta Platforms Inc. ($META) Shares With 0% Commission!

  • Start investing with as little as $10 (£8)
  • Pay no stamp duty on UK shares
  • Join 25 million users who trust their investments with eToro

Other fees apply. Capital at risk.

To buy Facebook shares in the UK through a broker, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Choose a broker: Research different brokers and compare their fees, trading platforms, and customer support. Some popular brokers for investors looking to buy Facebook shares in the UK include eToro, AJ Bell, and Interactive Investor. Scroll down for a detailed review of each broker.

  2. Open an account: Once you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to open an account with them. This typically involves providing some personal information, like your name and address, and verifying your identity.

  3. Complete a W-8BEN form: As a UK investor, you’ll need to complete a W-8BEN form, which allows you to claim a reduced rate of withholding tax on any US-sourced income, such as dividends from Facebook shares. However, do note that Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook) does not pay dividends.

  4. Choose a tax wrapper: Depending on your investment goals and personal circumstances, you may want to consider using a tax wrapper like an ISA or SIPP to invest in Facebook shares. These wrappers can help you save on taxes and maximise your investment returns.

  5. Fund your account: Before you can buy Facebook shares, you’ll need to deposit money into your brokerage account. This can typically be done through a bank transfer or debit/credit card payment.

  6. Place an order: Once your account is funded, you can place an order to buy Facebook shares. This involves entering the name of the stock, Facebook/Meta, or the ticker symbol, $META, and specifying the number of shares you want to buy.

  7. Monitor your investment: After you’ve bought Facebook shares, you’ll want to keep an eye on your investment and make any necessary adjustments. This could include setting up alerts for price changes or selling your shares if you need to free up cash.

When buying Facebook shares through a broker, it is important to be aware of any fees and charges associated with the investment. Brokers typically charge a commission for each trade, which can vary depending on the broker and the size of the trade.

Some brokers charge additional fees, like account maintenance fees, FX fees or inactivity fees, which can eat into your returns if you’re not careful. It is also worth considering the tax implications of buying Facebook shares, as you may be subject to Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax.

2. Buying Facebook Shares Through a Fractional Share Provider

If you do not have enough capital to buy a full share of Facebook or prefer to take advantage of pound cost averaging by investing small amounts regularly, fractional share investing might be the right option for you.

Fractional shares allow you to own a portion of a share instead of a full share, making it more affordable and accessible for many investors. For example, if Facebook’s share price is £100 and you only have £20 to invest, you could use a fractional share provider to buy one-fifth of a share of Facebook. Popular fractional share providers in the UK include eToro and Freetrade.

To buy fractional shares of Facebook in the UK, you’ll need to follow a similar process to buying full shares through a broker:

  1. Choose a fractional share provider: Research different providers, comparing their fees, investment options, and customer support. Some popular fractional share providers for UK investors looking to buy Facebook shares are eToro, Freetrade, and Moneybox. Scroll down for a detailed review of each fractional share provider.

  2. Open an account: Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to open an account with them. This typically involves providing some personal information, like your name and address, and verifying your identity.

  3. Complete a W-8BEN form: As a UK investor, you must complete a W-8BEN form to buy US shares like Facebook. This form confirms your foreign status and eligibility for tax treaty benefits.

  4. Choose a tax wrapper: When investing in Facebook fractional shares, you may want to explore the option of using a tax wrapper like an ISA or SIPP. This can help you reduce taxes and maximise your investment returns, depending on your investment goals and personal circumstances.

  5. Fund your account: Before you can buy fractional shares of Facebook, you’ll need to deposit money into your account. This can typically be done through a bank transfer or debit/credit card payment.

  6. Place an order: Once your account is funded, you can place a buy order by specifying the amount of money you want to invest or the percentage of a share you wish to own (e.g., £20 worth of Facebook shares).

Monitor your investment: Keep an eye on your investment and make adjustments as needed, such as setting up alerts for price changes or selling shares to free up cash.

When buying fractional shares of Facebook, it is essential to be aware of any fees and charges associated with the investment. Most fractional share providers are commission-free brokers and do not charge a commission for each trade. However, there are some other fees you should be aware of, such as FX fees, withdrawal fees, ISA fees, platform fees, and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, depending on the platform you choose.

3. Buying Facebook Shares Through a Mutual Fund or ETF

Investing in Facebook shares indirectly through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) can be an effective way to diversify your portfolio while still gaining exposure to the company. Mutual funds and ETFs pool money from multiple investors to purchase a variety of stocks or other assets, allowing for greater diversification.

To invest in Facebook shares in the UK through a mutual fund or ETF, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a mutual fund or ETF: Research different mutual funds and ETFs that include Facebook in their holdings. Compare their performance, fees, and investment strategies. Some popular UK mutual funds and ETFs that invest in Facebook include the L&G Global Technology Index Fund and the iShares NASDAQ 100 UCITS ETF (CNDX).

  2. Open an account: Select a platform that offers access to the mutual fund or ETF you’ve chosen. The best online investment platforms for buying mutual funds and ETFs that invest in Facebook shares in the UK are AJ Bell, Interactive Investor, and InvestEngine. Scroll down for a detailed review of each investment platform. You’ll need to provide some personal information and verify your identity to open an account.

  3. Choose a tax wrapper: Consider using a tax-efficient account, such as an ISA or SIPP, when investing in mutual funds or ETFs. These accounts can help you reduce taxes and maximise your investment returns, depending on your personal circumstances.

  4. Fund your account: Deposit money into your account through a bank transfer or debit/credit card payment.

  5. Place an order: Purchase shares of the chosen mutual fund or ETF. Ensure you meet any minimum investment requirements set by the fund or ETF.

  6. Monitor your investment: Keep track of your investment’s performance and make any necessary adjustments, such as rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your desired level of diversification.

Remember to consider any fees and charges associated with investing in mutual funds or ETFs, including management fees, platform fees, and transaction fees. These can impact your overall returns, so choose funds or ETFs with competitive fee structures.

4. Buying Facebook Shares Through CFDs

Contracts for difference (CFDs) are derivative financial products that allow you to speculate on the price movements of an underlying asset, such as Facebook shares, without actually owning the asset.

For example, suppose you believe that Facebook’s share price will decline due to an upcoming earnings report that you anticipate to be disappointing. In that case, you can use a CFD to take a short position on Facebook’s stock, profiting from the potential price drop without needing to own the shares directly.

Keep in mind that CFDs are complex and high-risk financial products, so they may not be suitable for all investors.

To invest in Facebook shares in the UK using CFDs, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a CFD provider: Research different CFD providers and compare their fees, trading platforms, and customer support. Popular CFD providers for UK investors looking to invest in Facebook share CFDs are eToro, XTB, and Pepperstone. Scroll down for a detailed review of each CFD provider.

  2. Open an account: Provide personal information and verify your identity to open an account with your chosen CFD provider.

  3. Fund your account: Deposit money into your account through a bank transfer or debit/credit card payment.

  4. Place an order: Specify the direction of your trade (long or short), the size of your trade (number of CFDs), the leverage you want to use, and any additional order parameters, such as stop-loss and take-profit levels.

  5. Monitor your investment: Keep an eye on your investment and make any necessary adjustments, such as adjusting your stop-loss and take-profit levels or closing your trade when you believe it’s the right time.

  6. Close your trade: Place an order in the opposite direction of your original trade. Your profit or loss will be determined by the difference between the opening and closing prices of the trade.

Before trading Facebook CFDs, ensure you understand the risks involved and are comfortable with the potential for losses. CFDs typically involve leverage which is not the case in traditional stock investing. Leverage or margin trading can magnify both gains and losses. Additionally, CFD trading often involves fees, such as overnight financing charges, spread costs, and commissions, which can impact your overall returns.

To manage these risks, consider the following when trading CFDs:

  1. Understand the risks: Educate yourself on the risks associated with CFD trading, including leverage, volatility, and potential losses. Make sure you are comfortable with these risks before investing.

  2. Use risk management tools: Take advantage of risk management tools offered by your CFD provider, such as stop-loss orders and limit orders, to help control potential losses and lock in profits.

  3. Start with a demo account: Before investing real money in CFD trading, consider using a demo account to familiarise yourself with the platform and practise your trading strategies.

  4. Diversify your investments: Diversify your portfolio by investing in a mix of assets, including stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. This can help spread your risk and potentially reduce the impact of a single investment’s poor performance.

  5. Keep an eye on the market: Stay informed about market trends and news that could affect the price of Facebook shares. Regularly review and adjust your trading strategies to stay aligned with the market environment.

  6. Maintain discipline: Develop a trading plan that outlines your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and stick to it. Resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on emotions or short-term market fluctuations.

Remember that CFD trading may not be suitable for all investors, particularly those with a low-risk tolerance or limited trading experience. Always consider your personal financial situation and investment objectives before trading CFDs.

Where to Buy Facebook Shares

We’ve compiled a list of the best places to buy Facebook shares in the UK. These are our top ten trading platforms for buying, selling and holding UK and overseas stocks and shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded commodities (ETCs), investment trusts (ITs), contracts for difference (CFDs), foreign exchange (forex), and other trading products.

Please keep in mind that when you trade, your capital is at risk. The fees below are not exhaustive–other fees apply. ISA, pension, and tax rules also apply.

Here are the best places to buy Facebook shares in the UK:


eToro - 0% Commission on real stocks; 3,000+ Instruments

eToro Logo
Annual Platform Fee
£0
Dealing Fee
£0
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Investment Trusts, Forex, and Commodities.

eToro, often regarded as the best trading platform in the UK, is a multi-asset platform that offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs. With eToro, UK traders have real-time access to thousands of stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, forex, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs from top exchanges worldwide. Catering to both beginners and expert traders, eToro provides an impressive range of fundamental and technical analysis tools, including market news, economic data, social media and news sentiment trends, and advanced charting tools. ProCharts, a professional-grade technical analysis tool available on this top UK trading platform, allows users to compare charts from different financial instruments and time frames. eToro also offers risk management tools, such as Stop Loss, Take Profit, and Trailing Stop Loss, to help you better manage your positions and protect your investments.

For customers who prefer ready-made investment portfolios, eToro has over 40 fully allocated, balanced investment portfolios, focusing on market segments you can understand and relate to. Some of the portfolios include MetaverseLife, BigTech, GoldWorldWide, Vaccine-Med, BitcoinWorldWide, Diabetes-Med, Driverless, and GigEconomy. These portfolios are a grouping of several assets, such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and even people, bundled together based on a predetermined theme or strategy. eToro also offers Copy Trading, a unique feature that allows everyday investors to copy the trades or investments of top-performing traders on the eToro platform. Anyone can copy trades on eToro, and likewise, anyone can give others access to copy their trades. If you are an expert trader approved to participate in eToro’s Popular Investor Program, where others copy your trades, you will be eligible to receive monthly earnings.

It is entirely free to open an account with eToro, and all registered users receive a US$100,000 demo account for free, which you can use to practise trading until you become confident. Trading on eToro occurs in USD, so a currency conversion fee will apply if you deposit or withdraw in a currency other than USD. Withdrawals incur a fee of US$5 (£4), and the minimum withdrawal amount is US$50 (£40). For UK customers, eToro offers an eToro Money app which allows you to convert your GBP to USD free of charge, thereby reducing your foreign exchange costs. eToro does not offer an ISA or SIPP.

Please note: Your capital is at risk. 80 - 90% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Additionally, cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. Other fees apply. For more information, visit eToro.

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AJ Bell - Cheap if you make 10+ trades a month; 15,000+ Instruments

AJ Bell Logo
Annual Platform Fee
0.25%
(max £3.50 per month)
Dealing Fee (Online)
£9.95 - £4.95
Regular Investor Fee (Online)
£1.50 per deal
Instruments
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, Investment Trusts, and Warrants.

AJ Bell is one of the UK’s largest online investment platforms, and its mission is to make investing as easy as possible for anyone. The platform offers thousands of investment options for the DIY investor, including shares, funds, bonds, investment trusts, ETFs, ETCs, and warrants.

There are multiple ways to get started with AJ Bell, depending on your risk tolerance and investing savviness. Beginner investors or those who prefer to choose a ready-made investment portfolio can get a little, or a lot, of help from AJ Bell’s specialists by selecting one of the investment ideas on offer. Investment ideas are diversified ready-made baskets of investments that you can select based on your personal preference and attitude to risk. There are eight total investment ideas, each built by a specialist team, and you can pick the right one for you depending on whether you are seeking to simply grow your money over time or receive an income whilst still growing your money. Expert investors can take advantage of the stock and fund screeners and complex instruments available on AJ Bell and build their portfolios themselves.

AJ Bell charges an annual platform fee ranging from 0.25% to 0% depending on the size of your portfolio. Dealing fees for buying and selling investments online are £1.50 for funds and £9.95 for shares (reducing to £4.95 if there were 10 or more online share deals in the previous month). AJ Bell’s products include a Share Dealing Account, Stocks and Shares ISA, Junior Stocks and Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA, SIPP and Junior SIPP.

Capital at risk.

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Interactive Investor - One free trade per month; 40,000+ Instruments

Interactive Investor
Annual Platform Fee
£120 - £240
(£9.99 - £19.99/month)
Dealing Fee
£5.99
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, and Investment Trusts.

Interactive Investor, commonly hailed as one of the best online trading platforms in the UK, is a subsidiary of wealth management giant Abrdn and the second-largest investment platform in the country. Also well known for its fixed monthly subscription fees (as opposed to annual percentage-based fees like most other investment platforms), Interactive Investor has been providing investment services and financial information to UK customers since 1995.

If you choose to invest with Interactive Investor, you will gain access to over 40,000 investment options, including UK and overseas shares, funds, investment trusts, and ETFs. This is the second-widest choice of UK and international investments offered by an investment platform in the UK. Interactive Investor allows you to build your portfolio in multiple ways depending on your investment goals, attitude to risk and personal preferences. Beginner investors or those who prefer ready-made investments can build their portfolios using Interactive Investor’s Quick-Start Funds, an easy way to start investing where you choose from six low-cost funds prepared by the team of experts at Interactive Investor. Advanced or more confident investors can choose from a wide range of funds and shares and build their portfolios themselves. Interactive Investor gives you access to 17 global stock exchanges, including exchanges in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. These include markets such as the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, FTSE All-Share, S&P 500, NASDAQ, NYSE, Dow Jones and more. In addition to the above, Interactive Investor offers Japanese, Indian and Chinese shares in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).

Interactive Investor gives you a free trade every month, which you can use to buy or sell any investment. After that, trades usually cost £5.99. It also offers a free regular investing service that allows you to deposit as little as £25 a month towards your investments without paying a trading fee each time. For those investing £30,000 or less, Interactive Investor offers a cheaper plan called Investor Essentials that costs just £4.99 a month. This plan does not come with the monthly free trade. Interactive Investor also has lots of expert ideas, research and insights, which can be helpful when choosing investments. Interactive Investor’s services include a Trading Account, Stocks and Shares ISA, SIPP and Junior ISA.

Capital at risk.

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Bestinvest - Low cost; Lots of research; 3,000+ Instruments

Bestinvest logo
Annual Platform Fee
0.4% - 0% (DIY)
0.2% - 0% (Ready-made)
Dealing Fee (Online)
£4.95
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, and Investment Trusts.

Bestinvest is a UK low-cost investment platform that allows you to trade or invest in over 3,000 instruments, including shares, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts. With Bestinvest, you can build an investment portfolio in two ways depending on your personal preferences, goals and attitude to risk.

Beginners or those who prefer a ready-made investment can build their portfolio by selecting one of Bestinvest’s ready-made investment portfolios. These off-the-shelf style portfolios are created and managed by the team at Bestinvest and come with a carefully selected and diversified collection of investments. Once you have picked one, you do not need to do anything else. There are three ranges to choose from: Expert, Smart and Direct, depending on whether you want to maximise the returns for the risk you take, focus on cost-efficiency or focus on individual investments. The team at Bestinvest will walk you through the process of selecting a ready-made portfolio. Advanced or more confident investors can choose from a wide range of funds, shares, ETFs and ITs and build their portfolios themselves.

To start building your portfolio with Bestinvest, you can deposit a lump sum or set up a monthly savings plan (which allows you to automatically save or invest a set amount into your investment account every month). There are no set-up fees or fund dealing charges with Bestinvest. Bestinvest charges an annual platform fee ranging from 0.40% to 0% for DIY investing and 0.20% to 0% for ready-made investing. The dealing fee for buying and selling shares online is £4.95 per deal. Bestinvest’s suite of products includes a Stocks and Shares ISA, Junior Stocks and Shares ISA, General Investment Account, SIPP and Junior SIPP.

Capital at risk.

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InvestEngine - Low cost; 500+ Commission-free ETFs

InvestEngine Logo
Annual Platform Fee
0% - 0.25%
Dealing Fee
£0
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
ETFs.

InvestEngine is a low-cost ETF investment platform that provides a choice of managed portfolios tailored to you and commission-free DIY investing to help you build long-term wealth. Users can invest in over 500 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from leading global asset managers.

With InvestEngine, you can invest in two ways depending on your tolerance for risk and savviness as an investor: beginner investors or those who prefer a ready-made investment portfolio can select from one of the managed portfolios on offer, where the team of experts at InvestEngine will take care of the day-to-day investment decisions for you. These portfolios are a selection of ETFs based on your preferences and risk tolerance. Once you’ve selected one, you do not have to do anything else besides monitor the performance of your investments. Advanced or more confident investors can choose from 500+ commission-free ETFs and build their portfolios themselves. InvestEngine also offers fractional investing, which allows you to buy bits and pieces of an ETF with as little as £1. This enhances your ability to build a diversified portfolio even if you have a small amount of money to invest. With the DIY Portfolio, there are no platform fees. However, the managed portfolios attract a fee of 0.25% per year. All InvestEngine portfolios are free of set-up fees, dealing fees, ISA subscription fees or withdrawal fees.

InvestEngine stands out amongst its competitors as one of the cheapest trading platforms in the UK because it charges no platform or management fees on its DIY Portfolio and just 0.25% a year on its managed portfolio. You can also start investing with as little as £100. InvestEngine’s suite of products includes a Stocks and Shares ISA, Personal Account and Business Account.

Capital at risk.

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Freetrade - Low cost; Commission-free trading; 6,500+ Instruments

Freetrade
Annual Platform Fee
£0
Dealing Fee
£0
(+ 0.45% FX fee on US stocks)
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, ETFs, and Investment Trusts.

Freetrade, widely recognised as one of the best stock trading apps in the UK, is a mobile trading app that gives you access to thousands of UK and overseas stocks, ETFs, REITs, and investment trusts covering different sectors and markets worldwide. The Freetrade app can be accessed on iOS, Android and desktop devices and offers a slick and easy-to-use user interface and experience. The app is a great choice for both beginners and experienced investors.

With Freetrade, you can invest in fractional shares of even the most expensive US shares with as little as £2. Depositing, trading and withdrawing on Freetrade are commission-free (other charges may apply). FX rates apply to US stocks at the spot rate + 0.45%. To get the most out of Freetrade, you can choose from three subscription plans. The Basic Plan costs £0.00 per month and allows you to open a General Investment Account (GIA) and trade commission-free. The Standard Plan costs £4.99 per month and allows you to open a Stocks and Shares ISA in addition to your GIA. With the Plus Plan at £9.99 a month, you get a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) and a Stocks and Shares ISA in addition to your GIA. Dealing on Freetrade is commission-free irrespective of the subscription plan you choose. Freetrade’s suite of products includes a Stocks and Shares ISA, General Investment Account (GIA) and SIPP.

Promo: Get a free share worth £10 when you join Freetrade and fund your account with at least £50.

Please note: When you invest, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. ISA rules apply. SIPP eligibility and tax rules apply. Free share terms and conditions apply.

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Moneybox - 0% Commission on US stocks; Good for beginners

Moneybox
Annual Platform Fee
0.45%
(+ £1/month subscription fee)
Dealing Fee
£0
(+ 0.45% FX fee on US Stocks)

Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, Funds, and ETFs.

Moneybox is a UK investment app that allows you to invest in a range of tracker funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded commodities (ETCs) and US stocks. Moneybox offers two forms of investing depending on your investing savviness, investing strategy and attitude to risk. Beginner investors or those who prefer a ready-made portfolio can choose from the three ready-made portfolios on offer - Cautious (lower risk), Balanced (medium risk) and Adventurous (higher risk). Advanced or more confident investors can pick from the range of tracker funds, ETFs, ETCs and US stocks available and build their portfolios themselves.

The Moneybox app also empowers you to invest your spare change by rounding up your card transactions to the nearest pound and investing the difference on your behalf. For example, if you spend £2.30 on a snack, Moneybox will invest 70p for you. You can also instruct the app to make weekly or one-off deposits into your investment portfolio as it rounds up your spare change.

You can start investing with Moneybox with as little as £1. Moneybox offers commission-free trading on US stocks. However, fund management fees apply to other types of investments ranging from 0.12% to 0.61% per annum. A currency conversion fee of 0.45% also applies to US stocks. Moneybox also charges an annual platform fee of 0.45% and a monthly subscription fee of £1 (you get the first three months free). Moneybox’s suite of products includes a Stocks and Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA, Junior ISA, Personal Pension, and General Investment Account.

Capital at risk.

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XTB - Commission-free stock CFD trading; 5,600+ Instruments

XTB logo
Annual Platform Fee
£0
Dealing Fee
£0
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex, and Commodities.

XTB stands out as the best day trading platform in the UK. It is a user-friendly, fully customisable European trading platform renowned for its extensive CFD and forex trading offerings. XTB provides traders instant access to hundreds of global markets and over 5,600 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs and ETF CFDs. Customers can take advantage of tight spreads from 0.2 pips, 30:1 leverage and zero commission on stock and ETF CFDs.

With XTB, you can trade using the in-house trading software, xStation, or via MetaTrader 4 (MT4). xStation by XTB is a powerful trading software available on iOS, Android and desktop devices and suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. The xStation trading software gives you access to comprehensive charting and risk management tools. With the inbuilt trading calculator, you can easily estimate costs, profits or losses before opening a position, modify stop loss and take profit orders directly on the chart or close all positions with a click of a button. As one of the best online brokers in the UK, XTB also provides an extensive library of educational materials, including videos, webinars, and courses suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. When you sign up, you will have access to a dedicated account officer who will work with you to help you better understand your needs and how XTB operates.

It is free to open a trading account with XTB, and all users have access to a free demo account with £100,000 in virtual funds that you can use to practise trading and investing until you become confident enough to use real money. Deposits in GBP and EUR are free of charge, but withdrawals below £60 have a £12 processing fee. Stock and ETF CFD trading on XTB are commission free. Spreads and margins apply to other products. Inactive accounts attract a monthly fee of €10 (£9). Other fees apply. For more information, visit XTB. XTB does not offer an ISA or SIPP.

Please note: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are leveraged products and carry a significant risk of loss to your capital, as prices may move rapidly against you, and you may be required to make further payments to keep any trades open. Between 74 and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. These products are not suitable for all clients. Therefore please ensure you fully understand the risks and seek independent advice.

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Pepperstone - Low cost; Speedy execution; 1,200+ Instruments

Pepperstone logo
Annual Platform Fee
£0
Dealing Fee
From 0.10% (UK Stock CFDs)
From 0.6 pips (Forex)
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex, and Commodities.

Pepperstone, a top contender for the best online broker in the UK, is a CFD and forex broker that allows you to trade a wide variety of instruments, including forex, indices, stocks, ETFs, commodities and other assets via contracts for difference (CFDs). The Pepperstone platform boasts low-cost spreads, fast execution speeds and access to over 1,200 trading instruments. The Pepperstone CFD trading accounts allow a minimum trading size of 0.01 lots and a maximum of 100 lots. Retail traders can access leverage up to 30:1 and over 60 currency pairs.

Pepperstone also allows scalping, expert advisors, hedging, and news trading. With Pepperstone, you can trade and enjoy the seamless creation of advanced trading strategies via some of the most popular and powerful trading software in the world, including TradingView, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), CTrader, DupliTrade (for social and copy trading), and Capitalise AI (for code-free trading automation). The Pepperstone platform is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. It is especially suitable for professional traders who want to take advantage of higher leverage. Pepperstone also has a suite of educational materials to help traders at every level.

It is entirely free to open an account with Pepperstone, and all registered users gain access to a free demo account which you can use to practise CFD trading until you become confident. On Pepperstone, the spreads, which function as trading fees for CFD brokers, start at 0.6 pips for forex CFDs, 0.4 for index CFDs, 0.05 for commodity CFDs, and 0.10% per side for UK share CFDs. Pepperstone also charges a swap rate (overnight fee) for holding CFD positions overnight. Other fees apply. Pepperstone does not offer an ISA or SIPP.

Please note: When you invest, your capital is at risk. Between 74 and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Saxo Markets - Diverse product range; 60,000+ Instruments

Saxo logo
Annual Platform Fee
0.12% - 0.08%
(min €120 (~ £108))
Dealing Fee
0.10% (min. £8) UK Stocks
US$0.02 (min. U$10) US Stocks
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, Investment Trusts, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Futures, and Options.

Saxo Markets is the UK division of Saxo Bank, a large European bank that allows you to invest in 60,000+ financial products from stock markets worldwide. With Saxo Markets, you can invest in UK and overseas stocks and shares, bonds, ETFs, forex, CFDs, futures, commodities and options.

Saxo Markets allows you to invest in one of two ways depending on your investing savviness: Beginner investors or those who prefer to choose a ready-made portfolio can select from one of the managed portfolios on offer where Saxo experts navigate the markets and manage your investments on your behalf. The average cost of this managed portfolio is 0.95% per year (including fund costs). Advanced or more confident investors can choose from the range of financial products on offer and build their portfolios themselves. Saxo Markets traders benefit from extensive charting with 50+ technical indicators, integrated trade signals, news feeds and risk-management features via the SaxoTraderGO platform. Advanced traders can access even more sophisticated trading features on SaxoTraderPRO, Saxo Bank’s desktop-only advanced trading platform.

Saxo Markets has different transaction fees grouped into trading tiers. If you plan to trade high volumes, you can upgrade your tier to get lower transaction fees. The Classic tier, which attracts the highest trading fees, costs 0.10% (min. £8) per deal for UK Stocks and US$0.02 (min. US$10) per deal for US Stocks. Other fees apply. Saxo Markets’ suite of products includes a Trading Account, Stocks and Shares ISA and SIPP.

Please note: Capital at risk. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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Facebook (Meta) Share Price

As of May 2023, one share of Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), formerly known as Facebook, costs around $232.78 (£184). This price is subject to constant fluctuations due to various factors such as company performance, market trends, and global events. Meta’s ambitious plans to create the Metaverse, a shared virtual reality space, could also play a significant role in influencing the stock’s value in the future.

Investors can stay up to date on Facebook’s share price by monitoring the stock market or using financial news platforms. You can find Facebook’s share price and more information about the company, including news, ideas, financials, and technicals, at any time by visiting TradingView.

It is important to note that the share price of a company does not necessarily reflect its value. A company may have a high share price, but if its earnings and growth prospects are not strong, the stock may not be a good investment.

Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough research and analysis before investing in any company’s stock, including Facebook’s. For example, examine Facebook’s recent investments in virtual and augmented reality technologies, including the Metaverse, as well as its advertising revenue growth. Additionally, you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio diversification when making investment decisions.

Why Invest in Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook)?

Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, is one of the largest and most successful technology companies globally, with a market capitalisation of over $600 billion as of May 2023. It operates in various sectors, including social media, advertising, virtual reality, and now the Metaverse, and has a strong track record of innovation and growth.

Here are some reasons why you may want to consider investing in Meta:

  1. Product Ecosystem: Meta boasts a robust product ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Oculus, and its Metaverse initiative. The seamless integration of these products and services creates a loyal user base and drives revenue from various sources, such as advertising, subscription services, and virtual goods. As of 2022, Meta’s family of apps had over 3 billion monthly active users.

  2. Innovation: Meta is known for its innovation and technological advancements. With a history of groundbreaking products and services, the company continually reinvents its offerings and explores new markets, driving growth and securing its position as a market leader. The development of the Metaverse is a prime example of Meta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

  3. Advertising Revenue: Advertising remains Meta’s primary revenue driver, accounting for a significant portion of its sales in recent years. Despite strong competition, Meta has maintained its position as a dominant player in online advertising. In 2020, Meta’s advertising revenue reached $84.17 billion, up from $‪69.66 billion in 2019.

  4. Virtual Reality and Metaverse: Meta’s acquisition of Oculus and investment in virtual reality technologies demonstrate its commitment to this growing market. The company’s ambitious plans to create the Metaverse, a shared virtual reality space, have the potential to redefine how people interact, work, and play online, opening up new revenue streams and growth opportunities.

  5. Strong Financials: Meta has a solid balance sheet, with substantial cash reserves and low debt levels. The company’s revenue and earnings have consistently grown over the years, with revenue of $‪116.61 billion and operating income of $‪33.55 billion in 2022. This financial stability and growth potential make Meta an attractive investment opportunity for many investors.

When conducting your own research, you can find the kinds of data highlighted above on TradingView.

Overall, Meta’s product ecosystem, innovation, advertising revenue, virtual reality and Metaverse initiatives, and strong financials make it a compelling investment opportunity for investors seeking long-term growth and stability. However, as with any investment, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the risks and potential returns before making a decision.

Factors to Consider When Buying Meta Shares

When investing in Meta shares, there are several factors to consider that can impact the value of the shares. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

  1. Earnings reports: Meta releases quarterly earnings reports that provide important information about the company’s financial health. These reports can impact the value of the stock, so it’s important to stay informed about them.

  2. Market trends: The stock market can be volatile, and external factors such as economic conditions, political events, and industry trends can impact the value of Meta shares.

  3. Company performance: It’s important to evaluate the health of the company and its potential for future growth. Meta has been expanding its product line and investing in new technologies, such as virtual reality and the Metaverse, which could indicate strong potential for growth.

  4. Competition: Meta operates in several highly competitive industries, including social media, advertising, and virtual reality. It’s important to keep an eye on competitors and assess their potential impact on Meta’s growth.

If you’re considering investing in Meta shares, here are some tips for evaluating the health of the company:

  1. Research the company’s financials: Look at Meta’s earnings reports and financial statements to get a sense of the company’s revenue, profit, and growth trends.

  2. Evaluate the company’s leadership: Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has been a driving force behind the company’s growth. Consider the leadership team’s experience and track record when evaluating the company’s potential for future growth.

  3. Analyse industry trends: Look at the overall trends in the industries that Meta operates in, and consider how the company is positioned to take advantage of these trends.

  4. Keep an eye on competitors: Meta faces stiff competition from companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Stay informed about these companies’ strategies and assess their potential impact on Meta’s growth.

The best places to find data on Meta include Meta’s website, news sites such as CNBC and Financial Times, and charting and trading websites such as TradingView and Investors Business Daily’s MarketSmith.

Cheapest Way to Buy Meta Stock

The cheapest way to buy Facebook (Meta) stock in the UK is through a commission-free fractional share broker such as eToro, Freetrade, or Moneybox. These brokers allow you to purchase fractional shares of Meta stock, which can be a more affordable option than buying full shares. They are also commission-free, meaning you do not pay a trading fee each time you buy or sell a share.

Another cost-effective way to gain exposure to Meta’s stock is through mutual funds and ETFs that invest in the company. These funds typically have lower fees and expenses than actively-managed funds, making them a good choice for investors looking to save on costs. A good example is the iShares NASDAQ 100 UCITS ETF (CNDX), which has Meta Platforms Inc. as one of its largest holdings.

While CFDs may seem cheaper in terms of upfront costs, they can be more expensive in the long run due to high fees and leverage costs. As with any investment, it is important to consider the real cost of investing in Meta shares, which will depend on factors such as the size of your investment, the frequency of your trades, and the fees and charges associated with different investment options. By carefully evaluating your options and seeking out cost-effective strategies, you can maximise your returns while minimising your expenses.

Is it Worth Buying One Share of Meta?

If you’re a new investor, you may be wondering if it’s worth buying one share of Facebook (Meta). The answer to this question depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation.

On the one hand, owning a single share of Meta can be an excellent way to participate in the growth potential of one of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies. Additionally, Meta’s shares have historically performed well, and it has a reputation for producing innovative products, such as the Metaverse, and having a loyal customer base.

On the other hand, buying a single share of Meta may not be the most cost-effective way to invest in the stock market. The current market price for a single share of Meta may be too high for some investors, and you may be subject to high commissions and fees for a small investment.

If you’re interested in investing in Meta but don’t want to buy a full share, fractional shares or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be a better option. These investment vehicles allow you to invest in Meta with smaller amounts of money and may offer lower fees and expenses than individual shares.

Ultimately, whether buying one share of Meta is worth it depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial adviser and do your research before making any investment decisions.

What Happens if I Buy Meta Stock Today?

If you buy Facebook (Meta) stock today, you become a part-owner of the company, which means you can make money if the company grows and does well. As an owner, you can also have a say in some company decisions and might get extra money called dividends if the company chooses to distribute them.

There’s always some risk in investing in stocks, and Meta’s stock price can change due to factors like the company’s performance or market conditions. So, you could lose money if the stock price drops.

But if Meta keeps growing and doing well, your investment may become more valuable. By monitoring the market and staying informed about Meta’s performance, you can make better decisions on when to buy or sell Meta stock, possibly increasing your returns in the long term.

Best Time to Buy Meta Shares

Knowing when to buy Facebook (Meta) shares can be hard because many things can affect stock prices. Here are three tips to help you:

  1. Regular investments: Put in a fixed amount of money often to reduce the effect of market changes. This way, you’ll buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when high, which lowers your average cost per share. For example, invest £100 in Meta shares each month, no matter if the price goes up or down.

  1. Focus on long-term growth: Don’t try to guess the market. Instead, concentrate on Meta’s future growth. Look at the company’s finances, market trends, and new products. Keep an eye out for important news from the company, like earnings reports or changes in leadership.

  1. Watch market trends: Know what’s happening in the market to get hints about when to invest in Meta shares. For example, if the tech industry grows fast, it might be a good time to invest. But if the industry struggles, it might be better to wait.

Remember that the best time to invest in Facebook (Meta) shares depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Be patient and stick to your plan.

What’s the Minimum Number of Meta Shares I Can Buy?

The smallest number of Facebook (Meta) shares you can buy depends on the broker you choose. Some brokers might need you to buy at least one full share. As of May 2023, this could cost over £180.

Other brokers offer the option to buy fractional shares, letting you purchase a small part of a share instead of a whole one. This allows investors to own a stake in a company with less money. For example, if Meta’s share price is £180 and you have only £90 to invest, you could use a fractional share brokerage platform to buy 0.5 shares of Meta. This means you own half of a Meta share, and your investment is worth £90 based on the current share price.

Fractional share investing can be helpful for investors who want to own shares in companies like Meta but may not have the capital to buy a full share. However, note that some brokers may charge fees for fractional share purchases or offer the option only for specific stocks or ETFs. Research the fees and terms of any broker before using their platform for fractional share investing.

Examples of commission-free fractional share brokers in the UK are eToro, Freetrade, and Moneybox. All three platforms allow you to buy small parts of Meta shares with as little as £10.

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