How to Buy US Treasuries in Europe

Summary: European investors aiming for portfolio diversification can explore U.S. Treasuries, including Bonds, Bills, and ETFs. Various compliant trading platforms in Europe facilitate transactions with multiple payment methods, including EUR deposits. These platforms offer a range of US Treasury ETFs suited to various risk profiles and goals.

eToro, notable among these platforms, is trusted by over 30 million investors and provides a broad selection of investments. It features options from short-term US Treasury Bill ETFs to longer-term US Treasury note ETFs. With more than 4,500 assets, eToro caters to diverse investment strategies and timelines, making it a solid choice for European investors in the U.S. Treasury market.

Can I Buy US Treasuries in Europe?

Yes, European investors can access US Treasuries, including Treasury Bonds, Bills, and ETFs with dividend yields, through regulated stock trading platforms in Europe. These platforms comply with European Economic Area (EEA) financial regulations. Europeans can use bank wire transfers, SEPA payments, or debit cards for these investments, seamlessly adding US government debt securities to their portfolios.

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How to Buy US Treasuries in Europe

To invest in US Treasuries from Europe, begin by selecting a regulated trading platform, such as eToro, known for its global compliance and extensive range of US Treasury investment options. eToro offers access to over 4,500 assets including various US Treasuries, such as short-term options like the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) and medium-term choices like the iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY).

Follow these steps to start investing:

1. Account Setup: Register for an eToro account and complete the required identity verification process.
2. Fund Deposit: Choose 'Deposit Funds' to add Euros (EUR) to your eToro account. Utilize familiar European payment methods for this step.
3. Currency and Transfer: Select 'EUR' as your currency and choose a payment method such as SEPA or wire transfers for transferring funds from your European bank account.
4. ETF Selection: Utilize eToro's search tool to locate the US Treasury ETF that aligns with your investment objectives.

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Best US Treasuries for European Investors

Choosing the right US Treasury ETF for European investors requires a careful assessment of personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and the specific economic context of Europe. There are various ETFs, each catering to different segments of the yield curve, from short-term Treasury Bills to long-term Treasury Bonds, offering unique risk-return dynamics.

European investors might consider these US Treasury ETFs:

• SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL): Perfect for the risk-averse, this ETF focuses on short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. As of February 2024, its yield stood at 5.36%.
• iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY): Targeting maturities between 1-3 years, this ETF provides a mix of yield and moderate interest rate risk. In February 2024, its yield was 4.27%.
• iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT): Ideal for those seeking higher returns and willing to embrace greater risk, this ETF invests in long-term bonds and had a yield of 4.15% in February 2024.
• Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT): With a focus on mid-term maturities, this ETF offers a well-balanced yield-risk profile, yielding 4.1% as of February 2024.

European investors have the choice between currency-hedged and unhedged options, based on their currency preferences and risk comfort. It's critical to engage with a financial advisor and conduct in-depth research prior to making an investment decision.

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What are the Fees?

Trading US Treasury ETFs on platforms like eToro involves various fees, which can differ based on your location and the specific ETF. It's important to consider both platform fees and the ETF's expense ratio. Here's a breakdown of the fees you might encounter on eToro:

1. Commission Structure: eToro allows commission-free trading for US Treasury ETFs, with exceptions for short or leveraged positions.
2. Currency Conversion: Transactions in non-USD currencies on eToro attract currency conversion fees.
3. Market Spread: Trading involves a market spread – the difference between buy and sell prices. This isn't a direct fee from eToro but impacts the transaction cost.
4. Overnight CFD Fees: Holding leveraged positions overnight incurs fees, linked to the 1-month USD LIBOR rate.
5. Weekend Charges: Positions held over weekends incur triple the usual overnight fee, usually charged on Fridays.

Additionally, each ETF has an expense ratio, a yearly fee expressed as a percentage of your investment, used to cover the fund's operating expenses. It's crucial to review eToro's fee structure and the expense ratio of the chosen ETF to fully understand all costs associated with your investment.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, European investors can effectively diversify their portfolios with US Treasuries, including Bonds, Bills, and ETFs, through platforms like eToro that comply with regional financial regulations. The process, from account setup to ETF selection, is streamlined, catering to diverse investment strategies and risk profiles. It's crucial to be aware of the various fees involved in trading, including commission structures, currency conversion, market spreads, and the ETFs' expense ratios. This information empowers investors to make well-informed decisions in the US Treasury market.