An ETF (exchange-traded fund) holds a whole basket of stocks or bonds in one unit, and it trades on an exchange just like a share. Buying one in Singapore is the same process as buying a stock — here it is, start to finish.
Step 1 — Choose an ETF
Decide what you want exposure to first:
- The Singapore market — an STI ETF tracks the 30 blue-chip STI companies in a single trade. Two trade on the SGX: the SPDR STI ETF (ES3) and the Nikko AM STI ETF (G3B).
- The US / global market — an S&P 500 or all-world ETF gives broad global growth. These are listed overseas, so you need a broker that offers US or London-listed markets.
- Income — bond, REIT and dividend ETFs distribute regularly. Compare the SGX-listed ones ranked by yield on the best Singapore ETFs page.
Step 2 — Open a brokerage account
You need a broker to place trades. As with stocks, there are two account types: CDP-linked (shares held in your own name — only for SGX-listed ETFs like the STI ETF) and custodian (held by the broker; usually lower fees, and required for overseas ETFs). Popular choices include DBS Vickers, moomoo, Tiger, FSMOne and Interactive Brokers.
Step 3 — Consider a Regular Savings Plan (RSP)
This is the ETF investor's best friend in Singapore. An RSP automatically invests a fixed sum every month — say S$100 or S$500 — buying more units when prices are low and fewer when high. This is dollar-cost averaging, and it removes the temptation to time the market. Many brokers and banks offer RSPs into the STI ETF and popular global ETFs. It is the simplest way for a beginner to build a position steadily.
Step 4 — Place the order
To buy a lump sum instead, search the ETF in your broker's app, choose buy, and pick a market order (fills immediately) or a limit order (fills only at your price or better). SGX ETFs trade in board lots, often 100 or 10 units.
A note on withholding tax (this can save you money)
For ETFs that hold US shares, where the fund is legally based matters. A US-domiciled ETF has 30% tax withheld on its US dividends for Singapore investors; an Ireland-domiciled (UCITS) ETF holding the same shares is taxed at only 15%. For long-term investors that gap compounds, so many Singaporeans prefer Ireland-domiciled ETFs — these usually have "UCITS" in the name and trade on the London Stock Exchange (for example CSPX or VUAA for the S&P 500). There is a second reason too: US-domiciled ETFs can expose foreign investors to US estate tax on holdings above about US$60,000, which Ireland-domiciled ETFs avoid. Singapore-listed ETFs like the STI ETF are not affected by either, and Singapore itself charges no tax on the dividends or gains you receive.
Once you own the ETF, distributions (if it is a distributing ETF) are paid automatically; accumulating ETFs reinvest internally instead. That is all there is to it.