online discount stock brokerage for beginners and new to stock investing

[newtohobby]

Been looking to open an account to invest in some stocks. I'm basically a beginner and have never traded stocks. I was leaning towards tdwaterhouse as I bank with TD. I know their rates are higher then others.

I wouldn't have access to the computer to do trades during the day due to work. As I assume u can buy and sell through the phone with tdwaterhouse?

I have searched interactive brokers and see that they have low commission rates but seems to be not for beginners.

Are there other ones anybody would recommend with the requirements of being able to trade over the phone also? I would only invest in a smaller amount, approx 10Gs and do 5-10 trades a year. thanks

BMO InvestorLine
CIBC Investor's Edge
Credential Direct
Disnat
eNorthern
E*Trade Canada
Interactive Brokers
HSBC InvestDirect
National Bank Discount Brokerage
Qtrade
Questrade
Royal Bank Action Direct
Scotia Discount Brokerage
TD Waterhouse
TradeFreedom

 

[Barca]

Been looking to open an account to invest in some stocks. I'm basically a beginner and have never traded stocks. I was leaning towards tdwaterhouse as I bank with TD. I know their rates are higher then others.

I wouldn't have access to the computer to do trades during the day due to work. As I assume u can buy and sell through the phone with tdwaterhouse?

I have searched interactive brokers and see that they have low commission rates but seems to be not for beginners.

Are there other ones anybody would recommend with the requirements of being able to trade over the phone also? I would only invest in a smaller amount, approx 10Gs and do 5-10 trades a year. thanks

BMO InvestorLine
CIBC Investor's Edge
Credential Direct
Disnat
eNorthern
E*Trade Canada
Interactive Brokers
HSBC InvestDirect
National Bank Discount Brokerage
Qtrade
Questrade
Royal Bank Action Direct
Scotia Discount Brokerage
TD Waterhouse
TradeFreedom

There really isn't a difference between discount brokerages. Really since what you are looking for is low cost execution you should first start off with which one has the lowest fees and next in line should be convenience, which in your case would be TD Waterhouse being as you already have a TD account. Makes it easy to transfer money back and forth.

If I were to make a suggestion for a non-bank name, E-Trade is always reliable.

 

[crystalpalace]

Be very careful, you can easily lose thousands in a matter of minutes if you don't know what you are doing. Do study books and do hypothetical trades for at least a few months before you begin real trading.

 

[newtohobby]

how much are the fees for a full service broker?

QUOTE=Razon]Well for what your looking for 10g and 5-10 trades.. i say just go with a broker since you wont be watching your portfolio. Because even if your trading 5-10 times, you always need to watch your portfolio and keep looking for re investing, and also watch the upcoming news on your investments.[/QUOTE]