Tens of thousands of different stocks trade on markets worldwide — many times the number of stocks that trade in the U.S. Some of these stocks are issued by major corporations and listed on exchanges in developed countries. And among those issued in emerging markets may be some of the multinational powerhouses of the next decades.
Though both domestic and overseas stocks may be attractive investments, investing directly in overseas markets can be more complicated than investing in the U.S. Identifying specific stocks can be a challenge, especially in emerging markets where there is little press or analyst coverage. Research may be more difficult, since the issuing companies may not translate their reports into English. Further, regulation varies from market to market, as does the clearing and settlement process. That may mean fewer consumer protections.
Plus, some countries restrict ownership of certain stocks to their own citizens, or limit the percentage of ownership available to non-citizens. Other countries make stocks inaccessible to individual investors, although they may be available to institutional investors, such as mutual funds.
A word of caution
The SEC recommends that, for your protection, you choose a broker who is registered with the SEC to handle your overseas trades. Major U.S. firms often have branches or local affiliates in other countries.
Jeffrey Rosensweig, Goizueta Business School, Emory University
SEC rules
It's illegal for brokers outside the U.S. who aren't registered with the SEC to solicit investors in the U.S. However, it's not illegal for you to work with an unregistered broker.
Though both domestic and overseas stocks may be attractive investments, investing directly in overseas markets can be more complicated than investing in the U.S. Identifying specific stocks can be a challenge, especially in emerging markets where there is little press or 
Jeffrey Rosensweig, Goizueta Business School, Emory University 