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 Google/Alphabet (GOOGL) Shares in the UK

Updated On: Dec 6, 2024
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Halimah Omogiafo
Author: Halimah Omogiafo
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How to Buy Google Shares UK

Contents:

If you’re keen on investing in technology and innovation, Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), could be an ideal stock for you. But how do you buy Google shares if you’re based in the UK? In this article, we’ll walk you through how to buy Google 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 Google Shares in the UK

You can buy Google 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 Google shares in the UK, including buying Google 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:


Featured Broker

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Capital at risk. Other fees apply.

1. Buying Google Shares Through a Broker

One of the most common ways to invest in Google 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.

To buy Google shares in the UK through a broker, you’ll need to:

  1. Create an account with a broker, such as eToro or Interactive Investor. Creating an account with a stockbroker is a straightforward process. It usually involves signing up via an online portal, providing personal information, like your name and address, and verifying your identity. It is important to research various brokers and compare their fees, trading platforms, and customer support before investing. Some popular brokers for investors looking to buy Google shares in the UK include eToro and Interactive Investor. Scroll down for a detailed review of each broker.

  2. Fund your account with GBP using your debit card or via bank transfer. Before you can buy Google 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.

  3. Complete a W-8BEN form for tax purposes. 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 Google shares. However, do note that Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, does not pay dividends.

  4. Choose a tax wrapper, such as an ISA or a SIPP. 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 Google shares. These wrappers can help you save on taxes and maximise your investment returns.

  5. Research Google and other stocks. Before buying any stock, including Google stock, it is important to carry out thorough research. You’d want to consider factors such as market capitalisation, earnings reports, liquidity, technology and innovation, team, company performance and competition. More on these below.

  6. Buy Google shares with GBP using the broker’s web or mobile app. Once your account is funded and you’ve carried out thorough research, you can place an order to buy Google shares. This involves entering the name of the stock, Google, or the ticker symbol, $GOOGL, and specifying the number of shares you want to buy or the amount you want to invest.

  7. Monitor and adjust your investments. After you’ve bought Google 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 Google 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 Google shares, as you may be subject to Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax.

2. Buying Google Shares Through a Fractional Share Provider

If you do not have enough capital to buy a full share of Google or prefer to take advantage of pound cost averaging by investing small amounts regularly, fractional share investing might be right 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 Google’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 Google. Popular fractional share providers in the UK include eToro and Freetrade.

To buy fractional shares of Google 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 Google 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: The W-8BEN form is a requirement for UK-based investors intending to buy shares of a US-based company like Google. It verifies your foreign status, ensuring that the correct tax amount is withheld from any dividends you might earn from your Google shares. As previously mentioned, Google does not pay dividends.

  4. Choose a tax wrapper: When investing in Google 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 Google, 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 Google shares).

  7. 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 Google, it is important 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 Google Shares Through a Mutual Fund or ETF

Another way to invest in Google shares is through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF). Mutual funds and ETFs are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors and use it to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. This can be a good option for investors who want exposure to Google but don’t want to buy individual shares or require more diversification in their portfolios.

To invest in Google shares in the UK through a mutual fund or ETF, you’ll need to follow these steps:

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

  1. Open an account: Once you’ve chosen a mutual fund or ETF, you’ll need to open an account with a platform that offers access to these investment vehicles. The best online investment platforms for buying mutual funds and ETFs that invest in Google 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. 

  1. Choose a tax wrapper: Similar to investing in individual shares or fractional shares, you can consider using a tax wrapper like an ISA or SIPP when investing in mutual funds or ETFs. These tax-efficient accounts can help you reduce taxes and maximise your investment returns, depending on your personal circumstances.

  2. Fund your account: Once your account is open, you’ll need to deposit money into it. You can do this through a bank transfer or by using a debit/credit card.

  1. Place an order: After your account is funded, you can place an order to buy shares of the mutual fund or ETF you’ve selected. Make sure to double-check the minimum investment amount required by the fund or ETF, as this can vary between different investment vehicles.

  1. Monitor your investment: Keep track of your investment’s performance and make any necessary adjustments. This may include setting up alerts for price changes or rebalancing your portfolio to maintain a desired level of diversification.

When investing in mutual funds or ETFs, be aware of any fees and charges associated with your investment. These can include management fees, platform fees, and transaction fees. It’s essential to understand how these fees can impact your overall returns and choose funds or ETFs with competitive fee structures.

You can also buy Google shares by investing in an investment trust, which functions a bit like a mutual fund with certain distinctions.

4. Buying Google Shares Through CFDs

A final way to invest in Google shares is through contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are derivative products that allow you to speculate on the price movements of an underlying asset, like Google shares, without actually owning the asset.

When you invest in a CFD, you don’t own the underlying asset—instead, you’re betting on whether the price of the asset will go up or down. For example, if you think the price of Google will fall and want to take a short position in the stock, you can make use of a CFD. CFDs are complex and high-risk financial products, so they may not be suitable for all investors.

To buy Google 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. Some popular CFD providers for UK investors looking to buy Google share CFDs are eToro, XTB, and Pepperstone. Scroll down for a detailed review of each CFD provider. Take the time to review each provider and choose the one that best fits your needs.

  2. Open an account: Once you’ve chosen a CFD 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. Fund your account: Before you can invest in Google CFDs, you’ll need to deposit money into your account. This can typically be done through a bank transfer or debit/credit card payment.

  4. Place an order: Once your account is funded, you can place an order to invest in Google CFDs. 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 monitoring the price movements of Google shares, adjusting your stop-loss and take-profit levels, or closing your trade when you believe it’s the right time.

  6. Close your trade: To close your CFD 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.

Note that CFDs are complex and high-risk financial products, and they may not be suitable for all investors. Before investing in Google CFDs, make sure you understand the risks involved and are comfortable with the potential for losses. CFDs also typically involve higher fees and charges than other investment options, which can impact your returns over time.

Where to Buy Google Shares

We’ve compiled a list of the best places to buy Google shares in the UK. These are our top 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 Google shares in the UK:

eToro - 0% Commission on real stocks; 4,500+ Instruments

eToro Logo
Annual Platform Fee
N/A
Dealing Fee
N/A
Regular Investor Fee
N/A
Instruments
4,500+
Stocks, ETFs, Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex, and Commodities.

eToro is a multi-asset trading 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 beginners and expert traders, eToro provides an impressive range of fundamental and technical analysis tools, including market news, economic data, social media trends, news sentiment trends, and advanced charting tools. ProCharts, a professional-grade technical analysis tool available on eToro, 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. Stop Loss and Take Profit are not guaranteed.

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; 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$30 (£24). For UK customers, eToro offers an eToro Money app that allows you to convert your GBP to USD free of charge, thereby reducing your foreign exchange costs.

Please note: Your capital is at risk. 51% 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 high-risk investments, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. 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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XTB - 0% Commission on real stocks and ETFs; 5,800+ Instruments

XTB logo
Annual Platform Fee
£0
Dealing Fee
£0
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
5,800+
Stocks, ETFs, Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex, and Commodities.

Earn up to 4.75% annual interest on uninvested cash

XTB 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 5,800 instruments, including UK and overseas stocks and shares, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, stock CFDs, and ETF CFDs.

XTB is good for beginners and even better for experts. Beginners can take advantage of XTB’s Passive Investment Plan, which is designed for long-term investing. This plan allows you to build a portfolio of ETFs, set up recurring deposits so you invest regularly while taking advantage of pound-cost averaging, and invest fractionally so you can afford even the most expensive ETFs with as little as £15. Expert or advanced traders and investors can take advantage of the in-house trading software, xStation. xStation by XTB is a powerful trading software available on iOS, Android, and desktop devices and is suitable for beginners and advanced traders. The xStation trading software provides comprehensive charting and risk management tools. With the built-in 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. XTB also provides an extensive library of educational materials, including videos, webinars, and courses suitable for 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 of 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. Real stock trading is commission-free for monthly turnover up to €100,000 (£85,000). Transactions above this limit will attract a commission of 0.2% (minimum €10 (£8.50). If you invest in foreign stocks and ETFs, a 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply. Stock and ETF CFD trading are also commission-free. Other fees apply. XTB does not offer an ISA or SIPP.

Please note: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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

Interactive Investor
Annual Platform Fee
£60 - £240
(£4.99 - £19.99/month)
Dealing Fee
£3.99
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
40,000+
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, and Investment Trusts.

Earn up to 4.07% annual interest on uninvested cash

Interactive Investor 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 £3.99. For those investing £50,000 or less, you can sign up for the cheapest plan (Investor Essentials), which costs only £4.99 a month but does not come with the monthly free trade. The platform 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, irrespective of the plan you choose. Interactive Investor also has lots of expert ideas, research and insights, which can be helpful when selecting investments. Interactive Investor’s suite of products includes a Trading Account, Stocks and Shares ISA, SIPP and Junior ISA.

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
500+
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
(+0.99% FX fee on US stocks)
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
6,500+
Stocks, ETFs, and Investment Trusts.

Freetrade 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 + 0.99%. 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 £5.99 per month and allows you to open a Stocks and Shares ISA in addition to your GIA. With the Plus Plan at £11.99 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.

Special offer: 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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AJ Bell - Low cost; Lots of research; 15,000+ Instruments

AJ Bell Logo
Annual Platform Fee
0.25%
(max £3.50 per month)
Dealing Fee (Online)
£5 - £3.50
Regular Investor Fee (Online)
£1.50 per deal
Instruments
15,000+
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 £5 for shares (reducing to £3.50 if there were ten 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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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
1,200+
Stock CFDs, Index CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex, and Commodities.

Pepperstone 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 - Diverse product range; 71,000+ Instruments

Saxo logo
Annual Platform Fee
0.12% - 0.08%
(min €120 (~ £108))
Dealing Fee
0.08% (min. £3) UK Stocks
US$0.015 (min. U$1) US Stocks
Regular Investor Fee
£0
Instruments
71,000+
Stocks, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, Investment Trusts, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Futures, and Options.

Earn up to 3.91% annual interest on uninvested cash

Saxo is the UK division of Saxo Bank, a large European bank that allows you to invest in 71,000+ financial products from stock markets worldwide. With Saxo, you can invest in UK and overseas stocks and shares, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, forex, CFDs, futures, commodities, and options.

Saxo allows you to invest in one of two ways depending on your investment knowledge: 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 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 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 0.08% (min. £3) per deal for UK Stocks and US$0.015 (min. US$1) per deal for US Stocks. Other fees apply. Saxo’s suite of products includes a Trading Account, Stocks and Shares ISA and SIPP.

Please note: Capital at risk. 64% 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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Google Share Price

As of December 2024, one share of Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) costs around $172 (£135). This price is subject to constant fluctuations due to various factors such as company performance, market trends, and global events.

Investors can stay up to date on Google’s share price by monitoring the stock market or using financial news platforms. You can find Google’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 Google’s. Additionally, you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio diversification when making investment decisions.

Why Invest in Google?

Google is one of the largest and most successful technology companies globally, with a market capitalisation of over $2.12 trillion as of December 2024. It operates in various sectors, including search, advertising, cloud computing, and consumer electronics, and has a strong track record of innovation and growth.

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

  1. Product Ecosystem: Google boasts a robust product ecosystem, including Search, YouTube, Android, Chrome, and Google Cloud. 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 cloud computing.

  2. Innovation: Google 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.

  3. Advertising Revenue: Advertising remains Google’s primary revenue driver, accounting for more than 80% of its sales in recent years. Despite strong competition, Google has maintained its position as the dominant player in online advertising, with Services revenue reaching $‪253.53 billion in 2022, up from $‪237.53 billion in 2021.

  4. Cloud Computing Growth: Google Cloud, which includes Google Cloud Platform and G Suite, has seen significant growth. In 2022, Google Cloud revenue reached $26.28 billion, up from $19.21 billion in 2021. The continuous expansion of its cloud computing business contributes to the company’s overall growth and diversification.

  5. Strong Financials: Google 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 $280.88 billion and operating income of $‪72.88 billion in 2022. This financial stability and growth potential make Google an attractive investment opportunity for many investors.

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

Overall, Google’s product ecosystem, innovation, advertising revenue, cloud computing growth, 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 Google Shares

When investing in Google 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: Google 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 Google shares.

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

  4. Competition: Google operates in several highly competitive industries, including search, advertising, and consumer electronics. It’s important to keep an eye on competitors and assess their potential impact on Google’s growth.

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

  1. Research the company’s financials: Look at Google’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: Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and its current CEO, Sundar Pichai, have been driving forces 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 Google operates in and consider how the company is positioned to take advantage of these trends.

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

The best places to find data on Google include Google’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 Google Stock

The cheapest way to buy Google 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 Google 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 Google’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 Google (Alphabet 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 Google 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 Google?

If you’re a new investor, you may be wondering if it’s worth buying one share of Google. 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 Google can be an excellent way to participate in the growth potential of one of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies. Additionally, Google’s shares have historically performed well, and it has a reputation for producing innovative products and having a loyal customer base.

On the other hand, buying a single share of Google may not be the most cost-effective way to invest in the stock market. The current market price for a single share of Google 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 Google 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 Google with smaller amounts of money and may offer lower fees and expenses than individual shares.

Ultimately, whether buying one share of Google 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 Google Stock Today?

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

Best Time to Invest in Google Stock

Figuring out the best time to invest in Google stock isn’t easy since stock prices can be affected by many factors, such as the economy, how the company is doing, and what investors are feeling. It’s tough to predict these things.

However, there are some general tips to help you make smart investment choices. Here are three approaches that can help you decide when to invest in Google stock:

  1. Regular investments: Putting in a set amount of money regularly helps lessen the effect of market ups and downs. By doing this, you’ll buy more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when it’s high, resulting in a lower average cost per share. For instance, you could invest £100 in Google stock every month, no matter if the price goes up or down.

  2. Concentrate on long-term growth: Instead of trying to guess the market, focus on Google’s potential to grow over time. This means looking closely at the company’s finances, market trends, and new products. For example, if Google plans to launch a new service or enter a new market, it might be a good time to invest. Keep an eye out for important news from the company, like earnings reports or changes in leadership.

  3. Pay attention to market trends: Knowing what’s happening in the market can give you clues about when to invest in Google stock. For example, if the tech industry is expected to grow quickly, it might be a good time to invest. But if the industry is struggling, it might be better to wait for a more promising time to invest.

Ultimately, the best time to invest in Google stock depends on your personal financial goals and how much risk you’re willing to take. By carefully weighing your options and watching the market, you can make smart decisions about when to invest in Google stock and potentially increase your returns over time.

No matter if you choose regular investments, focus on long-term growth, or try a different method, it’s crucial to be patient and stick to your investment plan.

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

The minimum number of Google shares you can buy depends on the brokerage you use. Some brokers may require you to buy at least one full share, which, as of December 2024, would cost over £80.

Other brokers offer the option to buy fractional shares, which means you can purchase a small portion of a share instead of a whole share. This allows investors to own a stake in a company with less capital than would be required to purchase a full share. For example, if Google’s share price is £80 and you only have £40 to invest, you could use a fractional share brokerage platform to buy 0.5 shares of Google. This means you own half of a share of Google, and your investment is worth £40 based on the current share price.

Fractional share investing can be a useful strategy for investors who want to own shares in companies like Google but may not have the capital to purchase a full share. However, it is worth noting that some brokers may charge fees for fractional share purchases or may only offer the option for certain stocks or ETFs. Be sure to 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 fractions of Google shares with as little as £10.

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