Unfortunately, Europe still doesn't have a single Internet company that allows traders to buy and sell stocks on a pan-European basis. Nonetheless, a few companies are trying. European investors can also look to start trading more than just shares on-line. Aimed at small to medium-size companies and wealthy individuals, the CMC service requires clients to register, put down a hefty deposit and undergo due diligence before they can trade. While not for everyone, the service has been lauded as a breakthrough in a trading world traditionally run by mammoth trading organizations.
Some European sites are simply good jumping-off points.
Grouped into simple, intuitive categories, Qualisteam is a good way to get a feeling for the best global sites in any of these fields. Other sites seek not only to point you in the right direction, but also to provide advice. Such is the case with Moneyworld UK Ltd. and Germany's Financial Information Warehouse. Both also have daily stock-market reports and list mortgage and saving rates. Newcomers to the world of investment will find glossaries of financial terms and beginners' guides to subjects ranging from credit cards to annuities.