How can a beginner start an investment portfolio in Europe (France)?

Question

I have been lurking, reading information about personal finances for a few months (if not years) now, but I didn't get the chance to start because I don't know where to start.

Here is the thing: I am French, young (19), and have a little bit of money saved, and I'd like to start setting up a portfolio with, say, 1000€. I'd also like to be able to add some money to it on a regular basis.

I know I should look for a broker, but the information I found is for U.S. people. I think that from France I would have to pay currency conversion stuff, and that doesn't seem good.

If anyone here is French, or simply knows or has advice on how to start a portfolio when you're French, that would be awesome.

I am looking for mostly moderate-risk investments for now. I don't know if this is realistic as a beginner, but 5% profit seems a fine start to me.

p.s. I know there are already some questions about starting, but my question is more about the specific point of being French (European) and what it implies.

Mekap · Answer

This post has been wrote in 2014, so if you read this text be aware.

At the time, and since France does tax a lot investment, I'd suggest you start a PEA and filling in using the lazy investment portfolio. That means buying European and/or French ETFs & index, and hold them as long as you can.

You can fill your PEA (Plan d'Epargne en Action) up to 150.000€ for a period of at least 8 years as long as you fill it with European and French stocks. After the period of 8 years your profit is taxed at only mere 15%, instead of the 33% you see in a raw broker account.

Since you are young, I think a 100% stocks is something you can hold on. If you can't sleep at night with 100% stocks, take some bonds up to 25%, even more.

Anyway, the younger you start investing, the more ahead you may eventually go.

How can a beginner start an investment portfolio in Europe (France)?

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