Online Trade

January 23, 2009
By Revy Anandya Azhary

Stock Trade Online – How it Makes Trading Much Easier

In comparison with traditional stock trading, online buying and selling of stocks offers more flexibility when it comes to time and accessibility. Before opening an online stock trading account, make sure that you’ve thoroughly studied the stocks that you are considering to buy or sell. Once you’ve armed yourself with the basic knowledge, then it is time to choose your online broker. There are two primary types of online stockbrokers, one is the discount broker and the other is the deep discount broker. The right broker provides you with real-time quotes, not delayed ones. An effective online broker also has the ability to execute your orders quickly. Also, choose an online broker with screens and windows that are easy to manipulate or operate. Some of the more popular online brokers include Scottrade, Schwab, E Trade and Ameritrade.

Whether you start investing with penny stocks or expensive stocks like Google, or the many-priced stocks in between, you need a brokerage account. An online account offers the cheapest way to trade. Online brokerage trading accounts are inexpensive because they offer limited services.

Online firms provide minimal service to their customers and have low fees. Full service brokerage companies – like Schwab charge more. A common factor, if you’re trading online, is that you have minimal services offered.

I like the idea of “free trades” with Zecco, especially for newcomers. Zecco does require a minimum set-up amount of $2500 to qualify for free trades. I have traded with thinkorswim and they have very low-priced trades. Not all brokers trade all things! Also, different brokers require different minimum deposits to open an account. Here are some questions to ask before opening your online brokerage account:

What is your minimum fee to buy or sell stocks?

Is there a monthly maintenance fee or minimum number of trades required for the account?

I’ve had personal experience with the following online brokerage firms – Interactive Brokers, OptionsXpress, and Think or Swim. You can change brokers easily and, usually without fees.

Stock trade online does offer a more convenient way of trading stocks. Educate yourself and prepare before you plunge into online trading to avoid any regret.

Check out another article about investing online and learn about penny stock or dividend stocks


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