With online brokers, look at the charges per transaction, and try to gauge reliability and speed in executing orders, especially if you will be trading frequently. Try sending in a question by e-mail and see how long it takes to get an answer. Check to see if free real-time stock quotes and account balances are available, if these interest you. The views represented above are those of the author, and the information provided here does not constitute any tax, investment or legal advice. The historical data presented are for illustrative purposes only.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.