Indians raise bets on American stocks ahead of US Presidential elections

Increased interest because of expected short-term volatility, say brokerages

Domestic brokerages have seen clients raise bets on American stock markets in the run-up to the US presidential elections, results of which are awaited.

Some brokerages announced tie-ups to offer overseas stock market access to their clients in recent months, fuelling increased investment activity, even as volatility increased ahead of poll results.

Many younger customers look to invest in technology firms that they are familiar with but which are not available in India, said Prakarsh Gagdani, chief executive officer at 5paisa Capital. Companies like Facebook and Twitter are listed in the US.

“We have started offering customers investment opportunities in US equities with