Investing in
the U.S.

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If you are interested in learning about investment opportunities in the US, your Premier Relationship Manager can introduce you to a Financial Advisor from HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. who can help you navigate the US markets. Learn more about Wealth Management¹ from HSBC

General Information on US Markets

• US Market Profile
• Investing in the US Market
• Banking in the US
• Major US Stock Exchanges
• Foreign Exchange Market

US Market Profile - A Land of Opportunity

With the largest economy in the world, the United States offers what many international investors are looking for:

• Access to the world's most lucrative consumer market
• Diverse investment opportunities
• A productive, and innovative workforce
• A predictable legal system
• A stable and advanced infrastructure

The United States remains the most important market in the world for investors. Its lucrative business climate, including regulation and taxation rules, makes it very attractive to foreign investors.

Investing in the US market

Whether you are looking for personal investment opportunities, or to expand your business into the United States, your opportunities are vast and diverse.

Approximately 42% of the global consumer goods market is in the United States. Plus, international investors have access to many diverse markets through the US, taking advantage of 14 free trade US partnerships.

The World Economic Forum in 2008 ranked the United States first in categories such as innovation, labor market efficiency, and sophistication of business strategy and operations (World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009, 340-341). And innovation is part of American culture. In fact, Americans are responsible for approximately 40% of the world's Research and Development spending. (Rand Corp National Defense Research Institute).

The United States supports its enterprises with stability in both legal systems and infrastructure, and is a world leader in intellectual property rights and protections. It boasts the world's most sophisticated transportation infrastructure and one of the most stable power grids and advanced telecommunications networks.

Banking in the US

Banking institutions in the US are based on the Federal Reserve System (Fed). The Fed ensures stability of the banking system in the US, paying treasury checks, processing government payments, transacting US government securities, and generally a fiscal agent for the public.

The Fed also supports depository institutions, and therefore the banking system in the US, by facilitating bank borrowing, funds transfers, distribution of currency, and maintaining various payment and account services.

Major US Stock Exchanges

The majority of all stock securities trading in the US takes place in the following exchanges:

• The New York Stock Exchange - The most famous exchange in the US is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSE was founded in 1792, facilitating trade and investments in many of America's largest companies.
• The NASDAQ - The NASDAQ is the largest virtual stock exchange in the US without an actual location. NASDAQ trades are transacted electronically, with a heavy focus on technology companies.
• American Stock Exchange - The American Stock Exchange (AMEX) is the third largest US stock exchanges. AMEX focuses on small-cap stocks and their derivatives.

Foreign Exchange Market

Approximately $1.9 trillion of currencies are traded daily in the Foreign Exchange market (FX) (Citation: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, May 2007). The FX finances international trade and investments by buying and selling currencies of different countries for entities ranging from individual investors to governments.

Please note: The information is provided for your reference only, and does not construe any form of legal, financial or other professional advice. HSBC is not responsible for the accuracy, and completeness of the information. This document does not constitute an offer, solicitation, advice or agreement, and is not legally binding over any party. HSBC makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) of any nature nor is any responsibility of any kind accepted with respect to the completeness or accuracy of any information, representation or warranty (expressed or implied) in, or omission from, this document. No liability is accepted whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document.

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HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any other member of the HSBC Group may from time to time underwrite, perform or seek to perform investment banking services for issuers or make a market or otherwise buy or sell as principal securities or other instruments, or together with the issuers directors, officers and employees may have either a long or short position in securities, commodities, currencies or other instruments or futures or options contracts convertible into securities or other instruments.

All decisions regarding the tax implications of your investment(s) should be made in connection with your independent tax advisor.