From Watching Markets to Investing Globally
I still remember when I first started paying serious attention to the global financial markets back in 2012.
At the time, the US and Chinese markets immediately caught my attention. They represented two very different economies, two very different market environments, and countless companies that were becoming increasingly important to the global economy.
I wasn't simply interested in seeing prices move. I wanted to understand why they moved.
What made one company grow while another struggled? Why could a political announcement in one country suddenly affect markets on the other side of the world? And perhaps most importantly, how could an individual investor participate in these global opportunities?
That curiosity became the beginning of my journey.Over the years, my approach to the markets evolved. I became less interested in simply chasing short-term movements and more interested in understanding companies, industries and long-term investment opportunities.
Today, HYCM INVEST is part of how I approach global equity investing. The platform currently offers access to more than 1,000 popular stocks, with fractional shares from $10, zero commission and access to dividend-paying stocks.
Why the US Stock Market Attracted Me
The US stock market has always fascinated me because of its enormous range of businesses. Some of the world's most recognizable technology, consumer, financial and industrial companies are listed in the United States. For me, investing in US stocks wasn't just about buying a famous company. It was about becoming part of a global economy that continues to influence the way we live, work and communicate.
Companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Tesla and many others have transformed entire industries. HYCM INVEST currently provides access to more than 1,000 popular stocks, including US-listed companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Tesla and Nvidia. HYCM also advertises fractional shares from $10 and zero-commission stock investing.For me, that accessibility is particularly interesting because investing in US stocks doesn't necessarily require putting a large amount of money into one company. Fractional investing can make it possible to build exposure gradually, depending on the stocks and terms available to the investor.
Why China was different
My interest in the Chinese market came from a fresh perspective and a bit of everyday inspiration. It actually started when my wife, a huge fan of Xiaomi products, suggested I look into the company.
I decided to take the leap, buying Xiaomi stock at HK$11 on May 2023 and eventually selling it at HK$52 2 years after. That trade was an eye-opener. China isn't just home to enormous companies across tech, e-commerce, finance, and manufacturing; it’s a market with its own distinct character.
Economic policy, shifting regulations, geopolitics, and investor sentiment can transform the landscape rapidly. That dynamic makes China challenging, but also fascinating.
Rather than viewing the US and China as competing markets where I had to pick a side, I began to see them as complementary forces in a global portfolio. One offered exposure to established global leaders and technological innovation; the other opened the door to a massive economy driven by its own unique growth story.
What Changed in My Thinking
After years of watching the markets, one of the biggest lessons I learned is that investing isn't about being right all the time. Nobody can predict the future with certainty. Instead, I believe successful investing starts with understanding what you own, knowing why you own it and managing the risks that come with it.
There were plenty of times when I watched a stock move sharply and wondered whether I should have bought earlier. There were also times when I bought something and watched the price move in the opposite direction. Those experiences taught me patience. They also taught me that FOMO is not an investment strategy. The market will always provide another opportunity.
Building a Global Portfolio
One of the things I enjoy about global investing is the ability to think beyond the companies and markets immediately around me.
When I look at a potential investment today, I ask myself several questions.
"What is the company's business model?"
"Where does its revenue come from?"
"Does it have a competitive advantage?"
"What industry is it operating in?"
"And what could potentially go wrong?"
These questions are more important to me than simply looking at whether a stock has gone up recently. HYCM INVEST allows investors to build a portfolio from a selection of global stocks. Its current offering highlights fractional investing from $10, zero commissions and dividend-paying stocks. For me, the real value isn't simply having access to more stocks. It's having more opportunities to research and make informed decisions.
The Biggest Lesson I've Learned
If I could go back to 2012 and give myself one piece of advice, it would be simple:
Think long term, but never ignore risk.
Markets can be exciting. They can also be unforgiving. A company that looks unstoppable today can face completely different circumstances tomorrow. A market that appears unattractive can eventually present opportunities that nobody expected.
That's why I believe investors should remain curious, disciplined and realistic.I don't expect every investment to work. Instead, I focus on learning from every decision.
Why I Still Invest Globally
Almost a decade after I first started exploring the US and Chinese markets, my interest in global investing hasn't disappeared. If anything, it has become stronger.
The world is becoming more connected every year. Technology, artificial intelligence, consumer spending, interest rates, trade policy and geopolitics can influence companies across continents. That means investors have more opportunities than ever before, but they also need to be more informed.
For me, investing isn't about finding the next stock that will suddenly double. It's about building knowledge, understanding businesses and giving myself the opportunity to participate in long-term global growth. HYCM INVEST is now part of that journey, providing access to a broad selection of stocks and features such as fractional shares from $10, zero-commission stock investing and dividend-paying stocks.
How I Approach Investing in US and Chinese Stocks
If you're wondering how to invest in US stocks or how to approach the Chinese stock market, my answer is simple: start with research, not excitement.
Before I consider a company, I want to understand the business, its industry, its competitive position and the risks that could affect it. I also remind myself that investing internationally comes with additional considerations, including currency movements, regulation, economic conditions and geopolitical events.
I don't believe there is one perfect stock portfolio for everyone. My own experience has taught me to build knowledge first, manage risk carefully and invest according to my own objectives and tolerance for loss.
That is what makes global investing interesting to me. There is always another company to research, another market cycle to understand and another lesson to learn.
My Journey Continues
When I look back at where I started, I realize that investing has taught me much more than how to read a stock chart.
It taught me patience.
It taught me discipline.
It taught me that losses are part of the journey.
And most importantly, it taught me to keep learning.
The US and Chinese stock markets will continue to change. New companies will emerge, established companies will evolve, and entire industries will be transformed.
I don't know exactly where the markets will be five or ten years from now. But I do know that I'll continue watching, learning and looking for opportunities. Because for me, global investing isn't just about where the market is today. It's about understanding where the world could be heading next.
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This article reflects my personal experience and is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument. Investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should consider their individual circumstances and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
Rich is the founder of FinMarkets Asia, where he serves as the Chief Editor and financial markets educator. With extensive experience in the trading industry, he has worked with several leading brokerage firms as a Market Analyst, Trading Educator, and professional trader. Throughout his career, Rich has been committed to empowering traders through high-quality financial education, in-depth market analysis, and practical trading insights. His mission is to help aspiring and experienced traders develop the knowledge, discipline, and confidence needed to navigate today’s global financial markets.
