Halifax has introduced the special share dealing offer – which runs from 8.30am on Monday June 8 until Friday June 12 at 9pm – to reflect a rise in international trading as a result of the stock market and currency rally which the economy has seen in recent weeks.

More investors than ever have already looking outside of the UK for investment opportunities since the beginning of 2009, according to data from Halifax share dealing, and it expects this to continue on the back of the recent recovery in the stock market and currency conditions in the UK.

For example, the share dealing provider said that a weak dollar can make investing in US companies more attractive, so it expects to see further increases in inactivity if sterling maintains its current level.

The most traded international markets for Halifax share dealing are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ, as retail investors cash in on some of the recently buoyant international economies.

The top retail investor international shares for buys and sells at Halifax since January 1 have been dominated by American companies, including Citigroup, Bank of America, and American International Group.

The most traded European stocks have been on the Xetra, the German Exchange, and the French Stock Exchange, SBF.

“We’ve seen a marked increase in international trade volumes since the start of the year with much of this investor interest focusing on US markets,” said Sue Concannon, managing director of Halifax Share Dealing Limited, commenting on the investment patterns of the past six months.

“If sterling continues to strengthen we expect activity on the European markets to also rise. Trading outside the UK allows investors to gain exposure to industry sectors that may not be well represented on the London Stock Exchange and to trade the shares of companies that are making global news,” she added.

Investors who purchase international stocks online through Halifax share dealing will save £17.50 commission on each purchase whilst Halifax’s special offer is on this week.

Apply online for a Halifax share dealing account to benefit from the 0% commission offer, or compare share dealing accounts from other providers

© Fair Investment Company Ltd