Tuesday 7 June 2011

A Quick And Easy Basic Selection Process For Online Brokerages

By Tim Leary


Choosing a brokerage is a crucial step for investors. Some investors may choose to go with gut instinct. The selection process for online brokerages should involve a careful analysis of the facts.

Good online brokers start with an excellent website. The website should load quickly during peak hours. It should be user-friendly. All links should be active and relevant. Some brokerages offer educational articles. They may offer market research and analyst reports. Investors may be able to share their ideas on forums and message boards.

A good brokerage offers web trade alternatives. This could include trading using a touch-tone telephone system. Customers may be able to fax their trade orders. Customers may be able to call the broker directly. Most non-web options are more costly than web trades.

It is crucial for investors to do research before choosing a brokerage. They may collect references from family, friends, and co-workers. They may conduct online research. Suggested resources include Gomez, Kiplinger, and FINRA (Financial Industry Regulating Authority). Customers could set up a one-on-one appointment with a broker or other company representative.

Investors should be watchful for hidden fees and rates. Brokers may require a minimum number of trades. They may require a minimum balance in an investment account. The firm may charge a fee when minimums are broken. They may charge annual administrative fees. They may place limits on daily trades. They will definitely charge commissions for each trade. These will range from zero to forty dollars. Twenty dollars is the average commission.

The best brokerages offer an excellent variety of services. They might offer basic banking products, like checks, ATM cards, and certificates of deposit. Investors keep some cash in their investment accounts. The brokerage should pay a decent interest rate on that cash. A brokerage should trade every type of security. These should even include options, municipal bonds, and gold certificates.

Great customer service is a non-negotiable requirement. The customer service line should connect people with humans, not machines. Investors can test the quality of service by calling the customer service number. They should call, ask a question, and test response quality. They can test customer service quality by asking for all available incentives. A brokerage, for example, may offer $100 in free trades for opening an account.

Investors should know their investing style. They should choose a company that matches their personal preferences. A passive investor should look for a deep discounter who requires no account minimums. A long-term, conservative investor should look for a fee structure that discourages too much trading. An independent, active investor should look for quick order execution and low commissions.

Investors can successfully navigate the selection process for online brokerages. They do it with a mix of facts and instinct. They should choose brokerages that offer many types of securities. They should choose a broker who has an acceptable commission price. They should consider their investment style and choose a company accordingly.




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