Contents
Only 17% of Europeans invest in stocks. This guide shows exactly how to start.
Step 1: Choose a Broker
| Broker | Best For | ETF Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | Beginners | 0 EUR |
| Trade Republic | Simple, cheap | 1 EUR/trade |
| Degiro | Research tools | 0 EUR (core) |
| Interactive Brokers | Large portfolios | 0-3.25 EUR |
Step 2: Choose Your First ETF
- Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS (VWCE) — 3,500+ stocks globally
- iShares Core MSCI World (EUNL) — developed markets
- Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS (VUAA) — US large caps
Accumulating (ACC) ETFs reinvest dividends — more tax-efficient.
Step 3: Set Up Regular Investments
100 EUR/month at 8% = 60,000+ EUR in 20 years. Automate via Trading 212 AutoInvest or Trade Republic Saveback.
Step 4: Understand Taxes
See our European tax guide. Use accumulating ETFs to defer dividend tax. Max tax-advantaged accounts (UK ISA, French PEA, etc.).
Sample Portfolios
| Portfolio | Allocation | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (1 Fund) | 100% VWCE | Medium |
| Two-Fund | 80% world / 20% bonds | Low-Medium |
| Home Bias | 70% world / 30% EU | Medium |
Key Takeaways
- Trading 212 or Trade Republic for easiest start
- VWCE: one fund, global diversification
- Accumulating ETFs more tax-efficient
- 100 EUR/month at 8% = 60K+ EUR in 20 years
FAQ
Can I buy US stocks from Europe?
Yes, but buy UCITS ETFs instead of US-domiciled ones (same index, EU regulation).
How much to start?
1 EUR at Trading 212 with fractional shares.
