A Practical Guide for Ordinary Investors to Invest in US Stock ETFs - New Ideas for Asset Allocation in 2025

Author: Chen Hanping
Date: December 11, 2025
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong

Core Summary

For ordinary salaried workers, investing in U.S. stocks is no longer out of reach. In 2025, with mature domestic channels, you can easily allocate global high-quality assets just like trading A-shares or Yu'ebao.

Core Logic:
Abandon high-leverage, high-maintenance real estate investments and use low-threshold, highly liquid U.S. stock ETFs to achieve global asset allocation and value preservation.

1. Three Major Channels for Domestic Investment in U.S. Stock ETFs

In Guangdong, you don’t need an overseas account or complicated procedures. You can participate compliantly through the following three methods:

1. On-exchange Trading (Stock Account) — "Most Flexible"
   Buy directly in your A-share securities account.

• Method: Enter ETF codes (e.g., Nasdaq ETF 513100, S&P ETF 161125) and trade in real-time like stocks.
• Advantages:
  • T+0 Trading: Buy and sell on the same day with strong liquidity.
  • Low Fees: Only brokerage commissions, no stamp duty.
  • 2025 Policy Bonus: Now you can directly invest in U.S. stock ETFs listed in Hong Kong via "Stock Connect," with more transparent forex settlement and more choices.
• Target Audience: Those with time to monitor the market and prefer flexible operations.

1. Off-exchange Subscription (Alipay/WeChat Wealth Management) — "Most Hassle-free"
   Use daily finance apps for fixed investments.

• Method: Search for "Nasdaq," "S&P 500," or "QDII" in Alipay or WeChat Wealth Management.
• Advantages:
  • Ultra-low Threshold: Start with just ¥10, suitable for salaried workers.
  • Seamless Operation: Entirely in RMB, with automatic forex conversion; supports smart fixed investments and forced savings.
• Target Audience: "Lazy" investors, long-term fixed investors, and office workers who don’t want to monitor the market.

1. Overseas Brokers (Futu, Tiger, etc.) — "Most Hardcore"
   Directly participate in U.S. stock market trading.

• Method: Open an account with a licensed online broker and directly trade original ETFs like VOO and QQQ.
• Advantages:
  • Ultra-low Fees: Management fees as low as 0.03%.
  • Authentic Experience: Directly hold stocks of giants like Apple and Microsoft and enjoy dividends.
• Note: Subject to the annual $50,000 forex quota per person.
• Target Audience: Professional investors with larger capital seeking ultra-low costs.

2. Channel Comparison and Selection Advice
Dimension On-exchange (Stock Account) Off-exchange (Alipay/WeChat) Overseas Broker
Difficulty Simple (like stocks) Ultra-simple (foolproof) More complex (involves forex)
Flexibility T+0 (same-day trade) T+1 confirmation T+0, trade freely
Minimum Capital 1 lot (~hundreds of yuan) ¥10 Requires $50,000 quota
Main Fees Commission Subscription/redemption fees Ultra-low fees
Recommendation Index

3. Chen Hanping’s Investment Strategy Suggestions

Combined with the previous article’s view that "buying property is a burden," I’ve customized the following "anti-fragile" investment portfolio:

1. Mindset Shift: From "Landlord" to "Shareholder"

• Don’t be a landlord: Landlords fix toilets, chase rent, and watch property prices fall—it’s negative cash flow.
• Be a shareholder: Buy Nasdaq ETF (QQQ) or S&P ETF (SPY), and you become the "invisible boss" of Apple and Microsoft, enjoying tech dividends and positive cash flow.

1. Practical Strategy: Fixed Investment + Fractional Shares

• "Salary Percentage Method": Allocate 10%-20% of monthly salary (e.g., ¥400-800 for a ¥4,000 salary).
• Set up auto-deduction: Configure "auto-invest on payday" in Alipay or brokerage apps.
• Ignore volatility: U.S. stocks trend upward long-term; fixed investments average costs. Even if the market falls, you buy cheaper, which is good long-term.

1. Pitfall Guide

• No leverage: Never use "down payment loans" or borrow money to trade stocks like buying property.
• No frequent trading: Frequent trades erode fees, turning "marathon winners" into "short-term losses."
• Watch forex: RMB appreciation shrinks USD assets—be prepared.

Conclusion: Be the Master of Your Wealth

In 2025 Guangzhou, financial freedom is more enviable than property ownership.

By investing in U.S. stock ETFs, you avoid 30-year mortgages, rent disputes, and future "maintenance black holes."

Chen Hanping’s Message:
Save your property money and gradually buy the world’s best companies.
Let great businesses work for you—this is the most "proper" lifestyle in 2025.