Investing in Stocks in Argentina: A Guide to Getting Started with a Limited Budget

The Argentine investor’s first dilemma: local market or international?

When you decide to start investing in the stock market from Argentina, you immediately face a reality: for decades, the local market has been quite isolated from international flows. But in recent years, the situation has changed significantly. Today, buying shares is no longer as complicated as before, thanks to the relaxation of many regulatory restrictions.

The first question every investor must ask is clear: do I want access only to the Argentine market, or do I need to diversify into international markets? The answer will completely determine your strategy. If Argentina faces economic turbulence, your local assets suffer. Conversely, with international exposure, you have a cushion of protection.

The second question is equally important: do you prefer your money to work on autopilot, or do you want to take full control of each operation? This divides investors into those seeking passive returns (investment funds, modest but stable returns) and those aiming for active returns (trading with CFDs, higher risk but greater potential).

Two parallel paths: Trading platforms vs. Banks

Where to buy shares in Argentina also depends on the type of intermediary you choose. Traditional banks are the conservative option: they mainly offer shares through mutual funds or long-term purchases. Commissions hover around 1%, and you have the convenience of managing everything from your usual bank.

Trading platforms, on the other hand, are for investors who want to have the wheel in their hands. They allow you to choose exactly which shares to buy, when to buy them, and when to sell. Many also offer tools like leverage and CFDs, which amplify both gains and losses.

International trading platforms: Maximum profitability

If you’re looking for where to buy shares with the capacity to multiply your money, these are your options:

MiTrade: The most accessible entry point

This Australian platform positioned itself as the gateway for Argentine investors with little capital. Its main advantage: a minimum deposit of just 20 USD. Access to international markets, cryptocurrencies, indices, forex, and commodities all through CFDs. Transaction commissions do not exist; MiTrade earns through the spread, which is competitive in the industry. For a beginner investor, it is practically ideal.

eToro: The copy-trading option

eToro requires a minimum of 50 USD and is known for its copy-trading feature: you can automatically replicate the trades of successful traders. This is useful if you haven’t mastered the markets yet but want active exposure. The downside: its spreads are high, which penalizes short-term trading. It is more expensive, but it has global recognition and broad market access.

Argentine platforms: Balance between security and opportunity

IEB+: For those who want unrestricted markets

Created in Argentina, IEB+ is beginner-friendly. Its ‘Rookie’ plan charges (only spread) but limits operations to 250,000 pesos per month. If you want more freedom, the 2,500 pesos monthly plan unlocks it. To access US stocks and ETFs, there is the ‘Global Markets’ plan at 20 dollars per month. No minimum balance required to start.

Front: The passive investor’s app

Front grew during the pandemic and is especially designed for beginners (75% of its user base). It allows investing in Argentine stocks or US markets via CEDEARs. Offers personalized management and the possibility for the app to invest for you. The fees for its funds range between 1.5% and 3.1% annually; direct stock transactions hover around 0.08%. No minimum balance.

Ualá: The all-terrain Argentine platform

Also locally founded, Ualá combines passive and active investing. You can invest directly in stocks like Apple or Google via CEDEARs, with a minimum of 10 USD to buy and 5 USD to sell. Or deposit from 1 USD into mutual funds for passive returns. Its spread is a bit high, but the platform is very intuitive.

Banking options: Moderate returns, maximum security

If you prefer not to leave the banking ecosystem:

• BBVA Argentina: Commission ~1.09%, access to domestic and international stocks from its app
• Santander Río: Commission ~1%, similar access to BBVA, only requires an account and being of legal age
• Banco Macro: More focused on the Argentine market, variable commissions sometimes higher
• Banco Galicia: The most competitive option among banks with 0.62% per transaction, although access to international markets is limited

Comparative table: Find your ideal platform

How to choose where to buy shares: Your personal strategy

If you’re conservative and want safe returns: Opt for mutual funds in Ualá, Front, or your own bank. The returns will be modest (4-8% annually), but you’ll sleep peacefully.

If you want exposure to the Argentine market without complications: IEB+, Front, or Ualá are your best bets. They give you access to local companies plus US stocks via CEDEARs.

If you aim to maximize gains in international markets: MiTrade is almost unbeatable with its minimum deposit of 20 USD and access to CFDs. eToro is an alternative if you prefer copy-trading.

If you don’t trust new platforms: Your banks offer commissions of 0.62%-1.09% with institutional security. It’s more expensive, but familiar.

Three steps to get started

1. Register: Choose your platform, complete KYC (identity verification), in 5-10 minutes you’re ready
2. Deposit funds: Transfer from your bank account. Ualá accepts from 1 USD, MiTrade from 20 USD
3. Start trading: Search for stocks or funds, make your first purchase, watch how it evolves

The Argentine stock investment market is more open than ever. There are no excuses not to start where to buy shares, regardless of whether you have 10 or 1,000 dollars in your pocket.