Do I need a cdp account to invest in the US stock market? What will be a good brokerage for beginners?

No CDP is only for SG stocks. TD Ameritrade is a well credited broker with amazing charts and opportunity to use options once you learn more in future years.

Currently 0 commission on US stocks. Downside is you can ONLY buy US equities.

CDP is only for SG securities. The US equivalent would be the Depository Trust Company (DTC).

There are three main ways you can hold stock in the US:

1. Physical stock certificate

2. Direct Registration (similar to CDP)

3. Street name (custodian)

Most hold their stock under street name - where their brokers act as custodians. While direct registration may seem attractive, it means that you can only manage your stockholdings through the company's transfer agent, which often does not offer the same flexibility in buying or selling as compared to holding in street name.

Some good options for the US market are:

• TD Ameritrade

• Interactive Brokers

• Standard Chartered

• Tiger Brokers