Online broker

Here are online stock trading sites you should consider:

Charles Schwab - Schwab is the granddaddy of discount brokerage and is carrying this  tradition to its online offering - although it is looking more like a  traditional brokerage all the time. It offers its own research and clients can work with an investment advisor or Schwab will manage their account for them.

E*Trade - E*Trade gets high marks for its range of offerings including banking  and mutual funds. The company has absorbed several other brokerage  firms and is now a significant player in the online stock trading  market. Like its competitors, active traders get lower rates on their  trades.

Fidelity - Fidelity shows up at the top or near the top of almost every ranking of  online stock trading brokers. They are not the least expensive, but top  most lists in customer satisfaction. Fidelity is known for its research  and investors can talk to advisors face-to-face at one of the many  Fidelity investment centers.

OptionsXpress - Despite  its name, this online stock trading site offers accounts that trade  just about any type of security you want including options, stocks,  mutual funds, exchange traded funds, futures and more. This site is  easy to use and gets to the point. Not the cheapest, but tops in  functionality.

Scottrade - Scottrade?s  claim to fame is superior customer satisfaction as noted in J.D Power  and Associates survey of online brokers. Commissions are on the low  side and transactions are processed quickly.

TD Ameritrade - TD Ameritrade is another brokerage that is the result of mergers  (Ameritrade was one of the merged companies and it has been around for  a number of years). The company has a large selection of mutual funds  and is noted for its responsiveness to customer inquiries.

Vanguard - Vanguard  made a name for itself at the low-cost leader in mutual funds. Vanguard  is a solid company that excels in providing value to their customers  and in consolidating investments in a brokerage account.