Last Updated on Jan 23, 2026 by Harshit Singh
For Indian investors, global investing is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s becoming a portfolio necessity. While Indian equities have delivered strong long-term returns, relying only on one geography exposes portfolios to domestic slowdowns, policy risks, and sector concentration.
The US equity market, which accounts for over 55% of global market capitalisation, offers Indian investors access to global innovation leaders, diversified revenue streams, and entirely new sectors that are underrepresented in India.
But for someone investing globally for the first time, the biggest question is simple:
Where should I start – stocks, sectors, or ETFs?
Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
What Indian First-time Global Investors Are Actually Buying
Most Popular US Stocks Among Indian Investors
Indian investors consistently favour large, globally dominant businesses:
- Technology & AI: NVIDIA, Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet (Google), Meta
- Cloud & E-commerce: Amazon
- Electric Vehicles: Tesla
In Q2 2025 alone:
- NVIDIA was the most traded stock, accounting for 6.4% of buy volumes
- Alphabet saw a 113% surge in unique investors
- Growing interest was also visible in healthcare majors like UnitedHealth and Novo Nordisk
Best US Sectors for First-time Global Investors
Historical data clearly shows that not all sectors are equally beginner-friendly. Some offer growth with resilience, while others are volatile and cyclical.
Beginner-friendly US Sectors (Based on Data)
| Sector | Long-Term Returns (annually) |
| Technology | 15–18% |
| Healthcare | 12–14% |
| Consumer Staples | 8–10% |
| Financials | 10–12% |
| Communication Services | 11–13% |
ETFs vs Individual US Stocks: What Should You Pick First?
Data shows that 66% of first-time Indian global investors start with ETFs or a mix of ETFs and stocks.
Why ETFs Make Sense for Beginners
- Instant diversification across hundreds of companies
- Lower risk compared to single-stock investing
- Extremely low expense ratios (as low as 0.03%)
Popular ETFs Among Indian Investors
- VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF): Exposure to the top 500 US companies
- QQQ (Invesco Nasdaq-100): Technology and growth-heavy exposure
- ARKK: Innovation-focused (higher risk, higher volatility)
When Do Stocks Make Sense?
Individual stocks work well after you’ve built a diversified base. Indian investors usually hold just 8 stocks on average, signalling conviction rather than frequent trading.
Conclusion
For Indian investors entering global markets, the smartest move isn’t chasing exotic stocks; it’s building a strong foundation.
Data clearly shows that:
- Indian investors prefer technology-led global leaders
- ETFs remain the most common starting point
- Portfolios are focused, long-term, and conviction-driven
However, before investing, it is important to consult a financial advisor.
FAQs
1. Are US stocks risky for Indian investors?
All equity investments involve market risk. US stocks may add geographic diversification to an Indian investor’s portfolio, as US and Indian markets do not always move in the same direction.
2. Should beginners choose ETFs or individual US stocks?
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide exposure to multiple companies within a single investment, which can help reduce concentration risk compared to holding individual stocks.
3. Which US sectors are commonly considered by first-time investors?
Technology, healthcare, and consumer staples are among the most widely tracked US sectors due to their size, global presence, and long operating histories.
4. How many US stocks do beginners usually hold?
Portfolio sizes vary by investor. Observational data suggests that many Indian investors maintain single-digit holdings, often prioritising established companies over a larger number of stocks.
5. Can Indian investors track US investments on Tickertape?
Tickertape enables users to analyse and track US stocks and ETFs, allowing them to view global investments alongside their Indian portfolios.
As an investment fanatic, I’ve dabbled in early-stage startups, mutual funds, gold, stocks, smallcases, and real estate to identify which assets generate the highest ROI. At Tickertape, I’m dedicated to presenting my learning and providing insightful suggestions to help my readers make sound investment decision.
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- How to Invest in US Stocks from India: Step-by-Step Guide - Jan 22, 2026
