The Best Stock Trading Sites for 2017
There are literally thousands of online investment platforms and as you would expect, each promises its own set of benefits. The issue here is that traders who may be new to this industry could find these choices confusing. It’s important to select the most comprehensive platform from the very beginning, it is always advantageous to know which portals stand out above the rest. Below, we look at what the general [online] public consider to be the best stock trading sites of 2017 as well as some of their unique features.
As the name already suggests, TD Ameritrade is one of the most popular platforms for those who wish to open an account from within the United States. One of their most impressive features is that there is no minimum account size. This could be a massive advantage regarding smaller trades, as less money will be risked within any given position. New account holders will also be provided with a matched first-time deposit bonus of up to $600 dollars; an excellent way to get in on the “ground floor” with a bit of extra cash. Although average commissions of $6.95 dollars are a bit high when compared to some other sites, these tend to be offset by lower overall account sizes and no minimum balance requirements.
CMC Markets is one of the global leaders in terms of online trading. Catering predominantly to those living within the US, UK and Asia. CMC Markets brings all important trading tools to the table, one of the reasons why both novices and professionals alike will often choose their services. Access to a wide range of assets such as stocks, treasuries, CFD positions and Forex trades also enables CMC Markets to be quite flexible in terms of investment strategies. When these features are then combined with immediate access to state-of-the art analytical tools and expert blog posts, it is clear to see why CMC Markets is at or near the top of the list of online investment portals.
Charles Schwab has been a familiar name within trading circles for decades, so it should come as no great surprise that this American firm has also made our list. One very unique feature which sets Charles Schwab apart from its competitors is the fact that new users can enjoy as many as 500 commission-free trades when they meet the necessary account qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity to accrue even more money while mitigating the levels of risk involved. We should note that a minimum account balance of $1,000 dollars is required at all times. Still, one-off commissions of only $4.95 dollars are lower are than TD Ameritrade. This could make Charles Schwab a worthwhile option to consider.
E-Trade is another firm which has been around for well over a decade. One major advantage associated with this platform is that it is a better option for novices and intermediate traders. E-Trade is associated with a highly intuitive trading platform that is quite easy to navigate. Not only does this signify that positions can be opened and closed quickly, but easier access to advanced tools ensures that more liquid trades will not be impeded by inaccurate information. Like the other firms mentioned so far, E-Trade offers a dedicated smartphone application. A minimum account size of $500 dollars and commissions of $6.95 dollars per trade (bulk discounts may be available) will accommodate most needs. Additionally, those who make a first-time deposit of more than $10,000 dollars are automatically provided with 60 days of commission-free trades.
Please keep in mind that these are only a handful of illustrations of what efficient trading platforms should espouse. Thanks to high-speed Internet and a true kaleidoscope of investment tools, it’s never.
