E-Trade Review

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Since fees are the most important factor an investor will be considering, E-Trade has come up with a fee structure that will definitely catch the attention of larger investors. Based on how much an investor is willing to put in, E-Trade has designed 2 fee structures which will enable investors to save money by having discounts. Stock trades cost $7.99 if you make at least 150 trades per quarter. However, if you do not feel like trading that often, you can opt for a rate of $9.99 per stock trade. The same goes for option contracts: $7.99 if you have at least 150 trades per quarter or $9.99 per stock trade if you trade less than 150 times per quarter. In addition, you need to pay $0.75 per contract regardless of the volume on your account.

If you are into broker-assisted trades, another factor you have to consider is the brokerage fee. E-Trade offers broker assisted orders for only $45.00 per trade, on top of other fees that may be incorporated related to the transaction. Always remember, for broker-assisted options, exercises or assignments, there is an added charge of $19.00. Don’t worry, though. This is the best offer in the trading business, considering the expert assistance provided by brokers.

As for margin rates, E-Trade offers general rates and are comparable to an investor’s other option. Margin rates normally range from 0.25% below base to 4.30% above base. For the majority of brokers, margins are based on the balance that you have for your debt. Your margin rates will go down below average, and you will only pay 3.89% if you have a high balance, that is $25,000.00 or more. Evidently, the pricing structure designed by E-Trade targets larger investors.

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Aside from these factors, you must also consider several other fees such as a $60 full transfer fee, $10 check request fees, $75 stock certificate fees, $25 outgoing wire transfer fees and $2 paper statement fees. All these fees conform to the industry.

Ever wonder why E-Trade offers competitive fees for smaller investors? Computers play an important role in why E-Trade can offer such competitive prices for smaller investors. E-Trade was able to master and develop tools that will simplify complex processes required by making different orders such as condor, spread, buy-wire, butterfly, iron-condor or iron-butterfly. With E-trade investing in technology, your regular investment activities will not be a hassle.

With E-Trade’s portfolio and risk analyzers, it is easier for investors to be more confident in their trades. Analyzers study an investor’s portfolio and searches for a variety by stock type, sector and world region. Then the analyzer will provide a graphic representation of your performance against market indices. Investors can also check out simple stress tests to see a simulation of what may happen when an investor’s worst case scenario turns to reality.

On top of all these, E-Trade provides the best tools for researching your investment options. This helps investors to develop their own strategy in investing considering the amount, time frame, volatility of market, target price, as well as market outlook. E-trade also offers a probability calculator and options analyzer. E-Trade also has apps specially designed for Android phones, iPhone, iPad and Blackberry.

As for customer service, Etrade has representatives in 25 branches across the United States more than willing to assist you for your concerns. You can also reach them via phone, email and snail mail. Pretty convenient!

Overall, E-Trade covers both larger investors and smaller investors. Smaller investors may have second thoughts, but considering the amazing tools provided by E-Trade, every penny spent by an investor is definitely worth it.