I've traded online for about 9 years and some of those early
years were pretty rough. I tried nearly a dozen discount online brokers
over a 6 year period. I settled in with Interactive Brokers and frankly
have not comparison shopped for several years so I can not offer
objective comparisons.
My Universal account allows me to trade electronic futures (no
pit traded), stocks, options, and I have even traded on the Toronto
exchange. The trading platform is first rate and provides a variety of
order types including both exchange types (market, limit, etc.) and
simulated and conditional order types e.g. execute an emini trade if
the emini hits a specified price -or- the SPX hits a specified price.
Fills are instantaneous when bid or ask price (depending on buy/sell)
is hit. The accounting is clean and clear with real-time account data
during the day and crisp statements overnight. IB's symbology is very
clear and the platform automatically provides all available derivatives
and chains for any underlying symbol. I also maintain an account with
Fidelity as well as a regular bank account and I can easily move funds
around by ACH or by wire. I use IB support infrequently, however email
has been satisfactory and phone is very good.
Perhaps most telling is the consistent improvement in IB's
platform and service during the years I have been a customer.
E