Facebook shares

[jmo21]

I'd like to invest in some Facebook shares next year when they finally float.

As I have an account with Hargreaves Landsdowne I asked them about it (you need to fill in a form to buy US shares).

They can't sell them during IPO:
"criteria for dealing in overseas shares with Hargreaves Lansdown is that the stock in question must be able to settle in CREST, the UK settlement system. Unfortunately, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) run from North America are not made available via CREST, and we are therefore unable to make any applications on behalf of our clients."


Who in the UK would be able to facilitate this? Can I do it through a US company even though I live here in the Uk?

[prozak]

www.interactivebrokers.com

cheapest and best online broker in the world.

not sure about getting facebook shares though.

[badger7579]

I'd be wary about investing in a company where its common knowledge that the founder and CEO does not care about money. What makes you think he'll care about making a profit and return to shareholders after you've bought FB shares?

[jmo21]

I'd be wary about investing in a company where its common knowledge that the founder and CEO does not care about money. What makes you think he'll care about making a profit and return to shareholders after you've bought FB shares?

Thanks for that.

Just because he is not a flashy guy does not mean he won't care about the company making money.

[escapeUK]

I'd be wary about investing in a company where its common knowledge that the founder and CEO does not care about money. What makes you think he'll care about making a profit and return to shareholders after you've bought FB shares?

Id be wary of investing in a company that is a fad, a rubbish fad at that, and I cant see how it can be worth 1% of what people think its worth.

[russell]

Id be wary of investing in a company that is a fad, a rubbish fad at that, and I cant see how it can be worth 1% of what people think its worth.

I don't think it's a fad, it has almost a billion users. Like saying mobile phones or email is a fad.

[d000hg]

Id be wary of investing in a company that is a fad, a rubbish fad at that, and I cant see how it can be worth 1% of what people think its worth.

I'd be wary about investing in a company where its common knowledge that the founder and CEO does not care about money. What makes you think he'll care about making a profit and return to shareholders after you've bought FB shares?

I think the OP was asking how to do it, not for stock tips. But when everyone realises the internet is just a passing gimmick I bet he'll wish he listened

[jmo21]

Id be wary of investing in a company that is a fad, a rubbish fad at that, and I cant see how it can be worth 1% of what people think its worth.

Rubbish fad? well, not all people like social networks, not everyone gets them, but plenty people do.

Enough to make the advertising revenue streams very valuable.

But as others have said, I'm not looking for stock buying advice

[badger7579]

There have been plenty of IPO's in the past that have generated hysteria only to fall after the event.

[ChrisPackit]

I don't think it's a fad, it has almost a billion users. Like saying mobile phones or email is a fad.

Facebook is definitely a fad, and is this decades answer to Friends Reunited ................. Friends who? Exactly.