Great post and most helpful. I guess in many ways one has to take a test drive (demo)to see which online discount brokerage firm rides best for each.
When Merrill Lynch starts to try and dictate what percentages of my portfolio I may have in OTC/Pink ... its time to dump them.
I felt the way you described commission brokers at the brokerage firms was being kind. Most should work in a butter factory churning the butter. And who needs to pay those commissions to hear what mutual funds you should invest in .... today.
Although certainly not appropriate for this Board, I think these exchanges might just remind others to take a look at whom they are trading with and be sure they are getting a square deal.
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessments and have a TDA to follow the market. I too do not like the fancy bells and whistles on the Sink-or-Swim platform.
I sent many many customers to Fidelity in my capacity as a financial professional. They are staffed with well trained, knowledgeable and courteous professionals who respond responsibly to every request.
The rate are now $7.95 per trade on any quantity without limitations. The research and market-watch features are the only shortcomings. I use TDA for that purpose.
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