In this latest edition, I will give you a brief suggestive guide on the ways you might want to buy Shell shares in the UK. Buying shares is only part of a much larger process, so you can also find information about finding trading platforms, doing research, and other useful tips about shares.
Also consider: Best stocks and shares to buy now
This is only a suggestive guide and does not constitute or amount to investment advice. Please keep in mind that buying, investing, and trading in Shell plc shares comes with a considerable amount of risk and nothing is ever guaranteed.
- Choose a trading platform. If you’re unsure which one to choose, see my guide to the best trading platforms UK.
- Open an account. You will need your national insurance number, personal ID and bank details.
- Enter payment details. Fund your new trading account via a debit card or bank transfer.
- Search for the stock code on your trading platform. Search for “SHEL”.
- Research Shell shares information. Your trading platform can show you the latest information for Shell.
- Now buy your Shell. Go ahead if you’re happy to buy Shell Plc stock.
{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Shell Plc (SHEL) Live share price
Below you can see Shell plc share price live, subject stock exchange times and data update frequency.
If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on the process of buying Shell shares, here is a simple overview of the steps you could follow.
Step One: Choose a Trading Platform
The first step is to find a suitable trading platform. Trading platforms will give you access to the market. Trading platforms are typically trading apps, desktop services, or online brokers.
With so many different platforms to pick from, it can be difficult to know which one to go for. The best thing to do is to take your time and consider your options. It can be helpful to note down what you want to get from your experience with a platform and this can help drive your decision. Some platforms may specialise in a particular industry or in a particular share type.
Be sure to select a trading platform that is properly authorised and regulated by an official, authoritative body, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Step Two: Register for a New Trading Account
Now that you have found a trading platform, you will need to register for a trading account. Trading account providers are also very diverse and can vary. This may take some time to decide on, but it is worth finding a good account provider that is right for you and your needs.
Setting up an account is normally a simple process. Some personal details are usually required, such as a full name, bank details, National Insurance Number, and address. The account will also need to be verified by official identification such as a passport or driver’s licence. Due to the sensitive nature of trading accounts, verification is likely required before an account can be used.
And just like with finding a suitable trading platform, make sure you find a reputable account provider that is authorised by a regulatory body such as the Financial Conduct Authority.
Step Three: Fund your New Trading Account
Once an account has been set up and fully verified and by a reputable provider and a platform has also been chosen, funds are going to be needed to buy Shell shares. Platforms and account providers are going to display different payment options to their users.
Typically, payment methods will vary. But the most common methods are debit and credit card payments and a direct bank transfer. Others may offer eWallet services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.
Be aware that some platforms and account providers might have a minimum deposit amount in place. And providers and platforms will have fees apply to deposit transactions. Be sure to check with them directly before making any deposits.
Step Four: Search for Shell Stock Market Code on Chosen Trading Platform
Now it can be time to begin searching for Shell shares on the stock market. This can be done easily by searching for Shell plc on your chosen platform. The platform should provide you with an easy-access search bar.
The London Stock Exchange ticker makes things much quicker and easier as well. According to the London Stock Exchange, the Shell plc ticker is ‘SHEL’.
The stock market ticker can be used to search for the latest information about a company’s share price, current market information and can give you options to buy and sell shares.
Step Five: Carryout Deep and Detailed Research
The fifth step is one of the most important steps to take before making any purchases, trades or investments. It is one of the biggest things you might want to consider doing prior to anything else.
The time it takes to do thorough research into a company, and their shares can take a lot of time, but it can be very helpful.
A top thing to keep in mind is whether it is a suitable or good time to purchase Shell shares. Doing your own research into the company, shares, and the market can help you come to a decision as to whether it is a good time to buy, trade, or invest in Shell.
Shares and shares prices are always going to change and fluctuate on a regular basis. This can even happen during a single trading day. According to the LSE, the trading hours are between 08:00 and 16:30 GMT.
It can help to do enough research where you can feel comfortable about your decision. If you are struggling to reach a decision, it might be worth contacting a professional or financial expert for personal advice.
Remember that trading involves risk and will put your capital at risk. Doing research can help you make a more informed decision about buying, trading or investing in a company’s stock, but it can only do so much, and nothing is ever guaranteed.
Step Six: Get Ready to Buy Shell Shares
If you have considered the previous steps, you might now want to start to think about whether you feel ready to buy Shell shares.
Think carefully about your current personal circumstances and financial situation. Be realistic and honest with what is affordable. Other financial commitments are more important. Buying, investing and trading in a company’s stock will put your capital at risk, and you may lose money.
A Brief History of Shell plc
Shell plc is one of the biggest and most well-known oil and gas companies in the world. It is a British company but operates all over the world.
Shell plc was formerly known as Royal Dutch Shell plc, where its former company headquarters were located in the Netherlands in The Hague. It has since changed to simply Shell plc, and the company headquarters is now based in London in the UK. Shell was originally founded in 1907. The current Chairperson is Andrew Mackenzie, and the current CEO is Ben van Beurden.
Shell is a public limited company. It has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with two secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam. Shell is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Shell operates a number of services. It operates in the energy and petroleum industry as an oil and gas company. Its products include petroleum, natural gas, and petrochemicals. Shell operates two divisions through Shell Gas and Power and Shell Chemicals.
Here are some of the things that I like to think about and consider before I decide to buy, trade or invest in any new share.
Do Your Research
Doing your own research can help give you a better understanding of a company, their available stock, and what an investment could mean in the short and long term. Research can help you make a more informed decision.
Researching a company and their shares can be time-consuming, but it can certainly help. You might want to find information about Shell’s past performance, the current Shell share price, potential future performance and projected future results, whether certain shares will receive dividends, as well as past, current, and forecast market information. It can be worth comparing Shell with other companies in the same or similar industry.
It may also be worth looking for personal advice from a professional or expert in the financial markets. This is likely to incur a fee but can help you come to terms with the decision on whether it is a good time to buy Shell shares.
Consider your Existing Portfolio
One other thing that I like to think about before making the decision to buy shares, trade or invest is to think about how the decision is going to affect my existing portfolio of other investments. It can help to query the ways in which a new investment or share purchase is going to impact my existing investments.
Just like with doing extensive research, it can be beneficial to seek out professional help from an expert who might be able to advise you on a personal basis about whether buying shares in Shell will be a good move for your portfolio. With any new investment, you run a risk of quickly losing money, so it can help to know what could happen.
Similarly, if you have yet to establish a portfolio, then think very carefully about whether you are ready to take on the responsibility of managing one. Properly managing and maintaining a portfolio does take time, commitment and dedication. In some cases, new share owners and investors can experience some trouble.
Think about your Investment Objectives and Financial Goals
A key thing to ask yourself is what are your investment objectives and what are your financial goals. It can help to write down your aims and outcomes to help give you an idea of what exactly you want to get out of buying Shell stock.
Carefully consider your personal financial situation. Individual circumstances will vary between investors, but being realistic about affordability is wise. It is not advised to go beyond your means. Be very considerate of your other financial commitments, which are likely to be more important.
Try to recognise and come to terms with your limits. Buying, investing, and trading come with high risk, and there are no guarantees.
How Can I Buy Shell Stock?
There is a process to buying Shell stock. There are a few things that might need to be done before you can buy Shell stock.
Selecting the Right Platform
Part of the buying process is to find the right platform. Finding the right platform can be difficult and time-consuming, but it can make all the difference to your trading experience.
Platforms can now offer varying experiences to their users, so it is worth browsing all available options before settling on one. One of the key things to bear in mind is to choose a platform that is properly regulated by an authoritative body such as the FCA.
Some platforms and brokerages are likely to charge their users fees. Fees can vary from withdrawal fees, deposit fees, and in some cases, idle account fees. Platforms such as eToro claim to offer their customers zero commission trading. Brokerages are more likely to charge their customers commission for their services.
Opening a New Account
Another crucial part of the process of buying shares is to open a new trading account. This is, of course, only for those who do not have an existing account.
Opening an account with a reputable service provider is crucial. They will typically ask you to supply personal information such as a full name, address, National Insurance Number, and bank details. Accounts must also be verified by official documentation, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
Selling Shell Shares
If you have purchased Shell shares, the next part of the process would naturally be to sell those shares at some point. Knowing when to sell shares is just as important as buying shares but is just as complex. A shareowner might want to sell their shares for a number of reasons. The main reasons are typically to make a profit or to minimise losses.
It can be difficult to know if and when the optimal time to sell shares is going to be. Knowing when to sell shares takes a lot of preparation, research, experience and know-how. Speaking to an investment consultant can help, but this is likely to cost a fee.
Selling your shares can normally be done through the platform. Simply navigate to the ‘sell shares’ option and select the number of shares you want to sell. Selling shares is just as risky as buying shares.
Shell Dividend Payments
Shell does pay out dividends to shareholders that have dividend-paying shares. Dividends are paid out when a company chooses to release its profits to shareholders.
Shell usually pays out dividends on a quarterly basis. Shell lists March, June, September, and December as their designated dividend-paying months.
Most payments will come as cash dividends. In some cases, the company might give shareholders the chance to reinvest their dividends back into the company.
Dividend Yield
The dividend yield is a way of showing the amount a company could pay out to shareholders as dividends. It is helpful to both current shareholders and prospective buyers. The yield lets investors see how much money they might get if they decide to buy or invest in dividend-paying shares.
The yield is calculated from the current share price. The annual dividends per share are divided by the price of each share.
It is always going to be hard to know whether Shell shares and any shares for that matter, are worth buying. Knowing whether it is worth buying Shell shares is very individual and comes down to a number of factors, including individual circumstances.
Doing your research and coming to terms with your investment objectives can all be beneficial in revealing whether it is worth buying Shell shares. Consulting a professional or financial expert can help. But at the end of the day, buying Shell shares is your decision, and only you can know whether it is worth it.
Looking at the company’s volatility rating and as well as the Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio) can help you find out whether a share is worth buying.
Is Shell plc Listed in the UK?
Do Shell A Shares Still Exist?
Please note
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.
CFDs are complex financial instruments and more than half of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Please make sure that you know these risks before you start trading and that you’re aware there’s a high chance of losing money rapidly on your investment.
Useful resources
- Learn how to invest in the FTSE100
- Have you considered transferring your pension?
- Find the best trading platforms