whats the best online broker website to use for STOCK trade? and why?

Answer 1

There are a lot of good brokerages depending on what you like and how you trade.

Barron's has a great article on brokerages that they publish each year. (Latest one was in March 6, 2006). Kiplinger does one too.

Here’s the link to the Barron’s article.
http://webreprints.djreprints.com/1550280182488.html

Here’s the link to the Kiplinger’s July 2006 article which isn’t bad either.
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2006/07/brokers.html


For basic stuff, E*Trade, Ameritrade, and Scottrade are sufficient. For more complex trades, I'd recommend Optionsxpress, ThinkorSwim, or interactivebrokers.

Based on what you put in your question, I'd recommend one of the first three, but all are very good. Cheapest probably is scottrade (of the larger online firms). Yes there are cheaper like interactivebrokers, but you'll have to get used to their software based platform (which is doable). They're only about $1/contract on options!

Brokerages like Fidelity are horrible for anyone with any decent experience.

So, decide what's important to you as a trader and compare the brokers! You can use the article, or go to each website as they all seem to have comparison charts!

And if there are particular things that you want to mention as being most important to you (such as executions, cust svc, cheapest trade, flexibility on allowing you to do certain types of trades, stop and stop limit orders, contingent orders, great graphing, what if scenarios, training, etc), I'll be glad to help discuss this with you too!

If you have any questions, let me know.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

First of all you need to learn to play the bull market then you can learn to play with the bear market. Never ever be a hog and put all your money in one stock you will loose too much. I can help you with this a bit I have read a few books and have learned alot and I started 2 months and two weeks ago with $200 now I am at 600 now I was up to 700 but the feb 27 correction took me down to 500 now im at 535.You must get Stock Investing for Dummies, and 24 Essential Lessons for Investment Success these books are worth every penny.Also you are going to want to set up an online account to better understand what they are talking about in the books you will have visual picture. do not set up margin account I have the best online broker there is and they are very cheap. If you email me I will send you right to them and let you know how to set it up and you don't have to deposit money till you are ready. my email is [e-mail] I do get 50 dollars for referals but they are the best and I am more than happy with there service. I can help you out finding the things you will need to know on the site.They have free real time quotes with only a few trades a month. they have limit, stop, limit stop orders, triggers, trailing stops all at no extra cost.

Answer 3

It depends on what type of trading you are doing that will determine if Sharebuilder is "high" on their costs. If you are participating in a long-term strategy that involves ETF's or DRIP Plans, then the $4 per purchase is very low. It is one of the best purchase prices online. However, if you are buying and selling on a regular basis, then it is not such a great deal. It is $4 to purchase and $15 to sell. So, if you plan on purchasing and holding, Sharebuilder is a very good company. If you plan on buying and selling often, then look into some of the other companies.

Answer 4

I think Scottrade is the best....not the cheapest but at $ 7.00 per trade a good value.
I have IRA accounts with another broker and I 'm transferring all to them
Scottrade will even reimburse transfer fees that are being charged from from my old broker

Answer 5

Unless you are prepared to turn your investment hobby into a full-time job, you are statistically more likely to achieve your long-term goals by entering into a relationship with a professional brokerage. Brokerage managed money earns 3-4% more annually than self-managed, and the notion that a brokerage charges excessive fees is a myth. There are many reputable and reasonable brokerage firms that can advise you on how to get started and won't charge you anything.

Answer 6

I have messed with a few and like how scottrade is treating me as well. However if you want a good site to "test your theories with no risk" then check out www.marketocracy.com free play money no risk and you can see how others are trading.

Just remember cheap is NOT always good. However you do want affordability and the most bang for your buck.

Answer 7

On the above advise...Proceed with caution.

Books are a great place to start, but that's not the question you asked. he was honest enough to say it out right but, one should always be weary of advice based on commission.

I use USAA because I have been with them for a while and they have the lowest rates around. Unfortunately you have to be on active duty, a veteran, or the dependent of a veteran of the us military to be enrolled. Shop around see what you can find, listen to the advice of many and decide for yourself.

Answer 8

Zecco. (If you have less than $2,000.00 USD)