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How to invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) from the UK
Find the cheapest and easiest ways to invest in Asia's oldest stock exchange.
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What's in this guide?
Founded in 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is the world’s 10th-largest stock exchange by market capitalisation, ahead of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). It has over 5,000 listed companies and a total market cap of over $2 trillion.
Can I invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange from the UK?
Yes, you can still invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange, and there are a number of direct and indirect ways to do so. You can invest in many Indian companies through American Depository Receipts (ADRs), which represent stocks that have been purchased by an American institutional investor on the BSE, which can then be traded on US-based stock exchanges.
You can also invest directly in BSE stocks via exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are index funds that track the performance of certain stocks, or stock indices, on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Some of the largest Indian stocks may also be available to buy and sell on popular western exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). For example, the largest company on the BSE, Reliance Industries, is also listed on the LSE, which means you can buy shares in it directly using your UK trading platform or broker.
How to invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange
- Choose a broker or trading platform. If you want to invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange, you’ll need to pick a platform or broker that lists Indian stocks directly or via BSE-focused ETFs.
- Open a share trading account. Once you’ve selected the broker or platform, you’ll need to open a trading account to start investing in BSE stocks.
- Deposit funds. Before you start trading, you’ll need to deposit money into your investing account. Depending on your broker or platform, your funds may also need to be converted from pounds into a different currency, such as US dollars.
- Buy BSE stocks. Once your account is funded, you’ll be able to buy and sell shares. You can use the platform’s search function to find the specific Indian stock or ETF you want to invest in.
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All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
How much does it cost to invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange?
The cost of investing in the BSE will depend on how you decide to invest, as well as the specific platform or broker you use. Each platform has its own fee structure, with some charging a one-off trading fee for every trade you make, and others offering “fee-free” trading.
If you’re looking to invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange via an ETF or index fund, you’ll probably be charged a small percentage fee of around 0.5%.
Broker trading fees
Below is a breakdown of the basic fees you’ll pay when making a single trade using each platform or broker:
- eToro. No commission
- IG. No commission
- Degiro. £.175 + 0.022% (max £5)
- Saxo Markets. £8
- Hargreaves Lansdown. £11.95
Bombay Stock Exchange ETFs
ETFs are an easy, low-cost alternative way to invest in Indian stocks on the Bombay Stock Exchange, especially if you’re looking to invest in stocks that aren’t listed on western exchanges such as the LSE. Like many ETFs, the most popular Indian stock ETFs are based on the leading BSE stock indices, such as the BSE SENSEX, which tracks 30 of the largest companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the BSE 500, which tracks the 500 largest companies on the BSE.
Some of the largest BSE ETFs include:
- iShares Core S&P BSE SENSEX India ETF
- SBI – ETF SENSEX
- HDFC Sensex ETF
- iShares MSCI India ETF
- WisdomTree India Earnings Fund
- Invesco India ETF
- iShares India 50 ETF
Why should I invest in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)?
The Bombay Stock Exchange is one of the world’s largest exchanges, and lists many companies that you cannot invest in via the London Stock Exchange or other western exchanges. Like China, India is also an emerging market that is experiencing rapid economic growth, and this may be reflected in the potential growth of Indian companies listed on the BSE.
Indian stocks may therefore be a good option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio, or get exposure to different sectors or industries.
Which stocks are on the Bombay Stock Exchange?
Some of the largest stocks on the BSE include:
- Reliance Industries
- Tata Consultancy Services
- HDFC Bank
- Infosys
- Hindustan Unilever
- State Bank of India
- Nestle India
- Adani Green Energy
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
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