How to Buy US Treasuries in the UAE

Summary: European investors can broaden their investment horizons by venturing into U.S. Treasuries, encompassing Bonds, Bills, and ETFs. There are several trading platforms compliant with the respective financial regulatory bodies in Europe, facilitating easy transactions with a range of payment options, including EUR deposits.

Various US Treasury ETFs cater to different risk and reward preferences. Platforms like eToro, regulated in numerous European countries, provide opportunities to invest in various durations, from short-term avenues such as the 1-3 Months US Treasury Bill ETF to extended options like the 20-year US Treasury note ETF.

Can I Buy US Treasuries in the UAE?

Indeed, investors in the UAE have the opportunity to invest in US Treasuries, including Treasury Bonds, Treasury Bills, and Treasury ETFs, which yield dividends. These popular US government debt securities can be acquired through regulated stock brokers in the UAE, overseen by the appropriate financial regulatory bodies. Investment avenues are facilitated through various payment methods, including bank transfers and debit cards, enabling residents to access treasuries and US-backed yield seamlessly. 

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How to Buy US Treasuries in the UAE

Investing in US Treasuries from the UAE is a streamlined process, especially when using a reliable trading platform that aligns with regional regulatory requirements. eToro stands out as a globally recognized and regulated platform offering access to many US Treasury investment options. This platform offers investment options like the short-term SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) and the medium-term iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY), among others.

Here’s a straightforward guide to begin your investment journey:

1. Sign up for an eToro account and complete the identity verification.
2. Click on 'Deposit Funds' to add funds to your account in your preferred currency, utilizing common payment methods available in the UAE.
3. Choose your preferred currency and select a convenient payment method, like bank wire transfers, to deposit funds from your UAE bank account.
4. Utilize eToro’s search function to locate the US Treasury ETF that aligns with your investment objectives.

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Best US Treasuries for UAE Investors

Choosing the right US Treasury ETF is a decision influenced by individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial circumstances. US Treasury ETFs vary, focusing on different segments of the yield curve, from short-term T-Bills to long-term T-Bonds, each presenting unique risk and return profiles.

Here are some US Treasury ETFs that might be appealing to investors in the UAE:

• SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL): Ideal for conservative investors, this ETF concentrates on short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. As of October 2023, it offered a 5.39% yield.
• iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY): Suitable for those seeking a balance between yield and interest rate risk, this ETF targets 1-3 year maturities and had a 4.97% yield in October 2023.
• iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT): For investors willing to accept higher risk for potential greater returns, this ETF focuses on long-term bonds and had a 4.25% yield in October 2023.
• Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT): This ETF, targeting mid-term maturities, provides a balance between risk and return, with a yield of 4.34% in October 2023.

UAE investors also have the option to choose between currency-hedged or unhedged versions, depending on their perspective on currency fluctuations and risk appetite. However, it's essential to consult with a financial advisor and conduct thorough research before making a decision.

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What are the Fees?

Trading US Treasury ETFs in the UAE on various platforms can involve different fees. These fees depend on the investor's location and the specific financial instruments being traded. Here, we outline the potential fees you might encounter when using eToro in the UAE:

• Zero Commission: eToro facilitates commission-free trading on US Treasury ETFs, except for positions that are short or using leverage.
• FX Fees: If you carry out transactions in currencies other than the US Dollar, you'll be subject to currency conversion fees.
• Market Spread: This is the difference between the selling and buying prices of a security. It's important to note that this spread is not a direct fee charged by eToro but is inherent in trading.
• CFD Overnight Fees: For leveraged positions held overnight, there are fees, which are calculated based on the 1-month USD LIBOR rate.
• Weekend Fees: Positions held over the weekend incur triple the regular overnight fee, usually billed on Fridays.

For investors in the UAE, it's crucial to thoroughly review eToro’s fee structure to understand all potential costs involved. This ensures that investment decisions are made with a clear understanding of the financial implications.

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Bottom Line

In conclusion, UAE investors seeking to diversify their portfolios have a solid avenue in US Treasuries, accessible through platforms like eToro. With a variety of ETFs catering to different investment maturities and risk profiles, from conservative short-term options to more venturesome long-term bonds, there's a spectrum of choices to fit various investment strategies.

It's important, however, to be mindful of the different fees associated with trading, including commission, currency conversion, and overnight charges. As always, a well-informed approach, aided by professional financial advice and a thorough understanding of the fee structure, is key to making savvy investment decisions in this sector.