Your guide to making your first investment with IG Markets

 

Starting your investment journey can feel exciting and slightly overwhelming at the same time. There are thousands of stocks and ETFs to choose from, not to mention the endless headlines and opinions filling every news page.

It’s no surprise many investors open an account, then pause before placing that first trade. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

We remember what it’s like to be starting out. So instead of leaving you to figure it out on your own, we’ve put together a simple starter pack to help you take that first step with a little more clarity.

Step 1: Fund your account

Before investing, you’ll need to fund your account. The good news is you don’t need to start big.

There’s no fixed amount you must put in. You can begin with any amount you’re comfortable with. With IG Markets’ US fractional shares, you can invest in part of a US-listed company from as little as $1.

Funding is straightforward. You can transfer funds via PayNow, ApplePay, card payments or bank transfer, whichever is more convenient for you.

Once your account is funded, the next question naturally becomes: what should I invest in?

Step 2: Start with something familiar

If you’re unsure where to begin, it often helps to start with a sector or theme you already understand. You can explore these sectors through our IG Markets app under the Discover tab.

Here are three common starting points:

Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks

Many first-time investors choose to start with well-established Singapore companies. These are often large, widely held businesses that form part of the Straits Times Index (STI).

Some examples include:

• DBS Group Holdings
• Singapore Airlines
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC)

These companies are familiar to most Singaporeans and are commonly included in long-term portfolios. Some also pay dividends, which can be attractive for investors looking for potential income.

This would be a good sector to consider if you prefer starting closer to home with companies you already read about or bank with.

Read more: Top 5 blue-chip stocks to watch in Singapore in 2026

US Big Tech

Many investors also look to large US technology companies as a starting point. These businesses are globally recognised, often feature in major indexes like the S&P 500 and have driven a lot of innovation over the past decade.

With AI becoming a major theme in markets, tech stocks have been widely discussed in headlines. From AI development to cloud computing and semiconductors, many of these companies are closely linked to how AI continues to evolve.

Some examples include:

• Nvidia Corp
• Microsoft Corp
• Amazon.com Inc

These are companies many people interact with daily, which can make them easier to understand as an investment starting point.

This could be a good sector to explore if you’re comfortable looking beyond Singapore and want exposure in international markets with companies you might already use or hear about frequently.

Read more: Top tech stocks to watch in 2026

Singapore Dividend Stocks

Many investors like dividend stocks because they can offer a combination of potential income and long-term growth. These are typically companies that return a portion of their profits to shareholders on a regular basis.

Some examples include:

• United Overseas Bank (UOB)
• Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering
• Mapletree Logistics Tree (MLT)

These names have a history of paying dividends and are often chosen by investors who are thinking about both cash flow and potential capital growth over time.

Dividend stocks can be especially appealing if you’re interested in companies that are established, cash-generating and share profits with investors.

Read more: Top dividend stocks to watch in 2026

Broad Market ETFs

If picking individual companies feel overwhelming, broad market ETFs can be a simple way to start.

A broad market ETF gives you exposure to a wide range of companies in a single trade. Instead of choosing one stock, you’re investing in a basket that tracks a major index.

Some examples include:

• iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF
• Amova-StraitsTrading Asia ex Japan REIT ETF
• SPDR Straits Times Index ETF

These ETFs track established markets or sectors, allowing investors to gain diversified exposure without relying on the performance of a single company.

Broad market ETFs are often used as long-term portfolio foundations, especially by investors who prefer a more balanced approach from the beginning.

Read more: Top ETFs to watch in 2026

Commodities

Some investors also look beyond stocks and ETFs to diversify their portfolios further.

Commodities such as gold and silver are often discussed during periods of economic uncertainty or inflation, as they are seen by some investors as alternative assets.

Some examples include:

• SPDR Gold Shares
• iShares Gold Trust
• iShares Silver Trust

Step 3: See what other IG Markets users are investing in

If you’re still unsure, another simple way to start is by looking at what other investors on IG Markets are trading.

Some of the more actively traded instruments on our platform recently include:

• DBS Group Holdings
• CapitaLand Integrated
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC)
• Keppel REIT
• iShares Silver Trust
• AMV-ST AXJ REIT ETF
• Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
• Amova Singapore STI ETF

These are names that many investors have returned to across multiple months. While everyone’s strategy is different, seeing what others are choosing can sometimes make that first decision feel less intimidating.

You can also explore trending and popular instruments directly within the IG Markets app.

Not ready to commit a large amount? Start small

If you’re not ready to commit a large amount just yet, that’s completely fine.

With US fractional shares, you can invest in part of a US-listed company from as little as $1. Instead of buying one full share, you’re buying a portion of it. That means you can try your first trade with a small amount, see how it works and build your confidence over time.

Your first investment doesn’t have to be big, it just needs to be a start. When you’re ready, you can explore sectors, trending assets and market insights directly within the IG Markets app.