Introduction to GlobalTrader

Study Notes:

The Interactive Brokers’ GlobalTrader app was introduced with the purpose of making it simpler for our global client base to easily trade in markets around the world. The app is a simplified version of our mobile platform. It allows the investor access to stock markets around the world, as well as trade options and mutual funds. And US clients and those of select non-US eligible countries may trade cryptocurrency through Paxos Trust Company.

The investor can also fund the account in over 20 currencies and settled funds can be converted into whichever currency is needed to invest at the time of trade.

For US cash accounts, GlobalTrader allows users to easily convert currency from their base to the currency needed prior to the trade. For US margin accounts, Interactive Brokers will lend the foreign currency needed for the purchase so investors can trade foreign stocks without converting currency prior to the trade.

With IBKR’s GlobalTrader app, for UK and Canadian investors opening their accounts, a Non-Borrowing Allowed Margin account behaves in the same way as a cash account where the investor cannot borrow on margin.  However, this allows an investor to buy a foreign stock without first converting their currency to the trade currency by temporarily lending the investor the currency needed for the trade and then converting the negative cash balance to the correct currency after the trade is complete.

For other regions’ capabilities, please visit our website for details.

When logged into the IBKR GlobalTrader, the investor sees four icons at the bottom of the screen: Home, Portfolio, Watchlist, and Explore. In each of these screens, the investor can create an order ticket by tapping on the blue Trade icon in the bottom right-hand corner.

On the IBKR GlobalTrader Home screen, the investor sees a performance chart at the top of the screen. Below are easy-to-use buttons to view:

• Transactions, including trades and money transfers,
• Deposit and Withdraw buttons that allow the investor to move money in and out of the account,
• A Currency Conversion icon that allows the investor to convert deposited money into another currency,
• The Account button that allows the investor to manage their account, and
• A Support button.

In this video course, the investor will learn how to convert currency, enter a trade in both base and non-base currency, use the stock scanner, replace a current position for another using a Swap order, trade options using the option chain and Option Wizard.

Resources

IBKR GlobalTrader