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Hackers Target Online Brokerage Firms In Latest Cyber Scam

August 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Reports this week name the newest targets for cyber criminals: online brokerage houses, which have lost millions of dollars in an online fraud that is apparently the latest in the world of hacker couture.

Reports from online broker E-Trade Financial Corp state that the company has been compromised by hacker attacks originating from crime rings in Thailand and Eastern Europe. The hackers recently cost E-Trade clients up to million through tactics that include hacking into customer accounts and making unauthorized stock trades. The scam starts with the hackers installing keyloggers either on a victim’s unguarded personal computer or on a public computer station, such as those found in a library or hotel. The keyloggers are used to gain access to a customer’s brokerage account, at which point the hacker will wait until the customer logs off, log himself in with the victim’s user name and password, and use the account to sell the customers existing stock shares.

The money made from the sale of those stocks is used to purchase microcap stocks, which are low value stocks that are inexpensive and usually are not traded in large volume. The purchase drives up the value of this stock, shares of which the hacker has already bought at a lower price through another account. The hacker is then able to sell his own stock and make a profit. Meanwhile, the victim is left with an account full of unwanted, low value stock and has lost any money earned from their previous portfolio.

E-Trade and other companies affected by the scam, such as DT Ameritrade, plan to reimburse the money their customers lost, though the companies are not required by law to do so. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are investigating the issue, and many online brokers are stepping up to the plate and offering customers information on internet security and access to security software.

In the spirit of this gesture, the E-Trade Financial Corp website lists some tips that can help you protect your account and personal information both on and off their site:

Use anti-virus software.
Use a personal firewall package.
Use current versions of software and operating systems (and keep them patched/updated).
Secure your wireless network.
Use your own computer.
Choose strong passwords and change them regularly.
Use a unique ID and password.
Protect yourself against identity theft.
Use the strongest encryption available.
Empty your temporary Internet files or cache folder when finished.
Test your system for vulnerabilities.
Be prepared for problems.

 

Additionally, it is recommended that online traders avoid trading or checking brokerage accounts from public computers and avoid opening or clicking links in any emails sent from an online broker, as the email could easily be part of a phishing scam. If you think you have been a victim of online trading fraud, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/.

http://home.stopsign.com

 

Filed Under: Investment Management Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Find a good brokerage firm

August 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Investing is a requirement if you ever plan for retirement or put their children through college. So where is the best place to invest? You have many options. You can choose to invest your retirement plan directly to the fund company, or invest in the stock brokerage account. Since you can not control where your employer’s retirement plan are considered to be his when it comes to other investments.

When it comes to investment companies, or really get what you pay for. Some companies offer free trades, but to get them you need to add dozens or even hundreds of trades per month. Other very little commission, but if you ever need customer service you’re left waiting on hold with a call center halfway around the world. Your money is important that you do not want to risk poor service or excessive regulations.

A good compromise with a similar company TradeKing or Scottrade. Both of these companies provide a very low stock trading commissions, while still providing excellent customer service and billing features. TradeKing is a nice online community where you can share your thoughts with other investors, and always gives a lot of educational events and activities.

Scottrade on the other hand, goes further and suggests that not only sells cheap, but many local service industries as well. If you are someone who wants to speak with someone personally, Scottrade is likely to be the local office where you can do that. So basically you are getting the best of both worlds. Cheap deal and excellent service.

So when you’re comparing brokerage firms do not forget to look at the costs. Yes, price is important, but so are other aspects of your account and service experience. Do not do from getting stuck with a company that over promises and under delivers an error.

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Read Expert’s trading reviews for Etrade ? an online brokerage firm

July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Etrade is an eminent brokerage firm. Investors can buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds via electronic trading platforms or by phone via E-Trade Mobile Pro. The firm gives its clients very practical and useful financial services; they provide a complete solution to online brokerage and also help their clients with related banking and investment measures.

It offers competitive price compared to other brokers in the market to help their clients gain short and long-term financial and investment profit. ETRADE has a dedicated group of customer service representatives, relationship officers and investment advisors- who are always ready to help their customers in every possible way.

To start with, let us first go through the corporate facts of the company. ETRADE Financial Corporate Services, Inc was founded in the year 1992, though it went public in the year 1996. The CEO of the company is Mr. Steven Freiberg and the headquarters is at New York City. As of March, 2010, the total number of employees working in ETRADE is more than 3,200 (Three thousand two hundred).

ETRADE offers their customers with a variety of financial products to choose from, starting from stocks, bonds, options to mutual funds. It helps both the experienced and the young traders to plan money-making investment tactics.
They present a complete range of commercial solutions to their customers in connection to record-keeping, regulatory, and reporting needs. They also help them with knowledge and information that help them make and select profitable stock options, stock purchase plans, restricted stock, and other benefits.
ETRADE is a highly acclaimed brand in the US and has been highly proclaimed by the prestigious magazines of the country. Smart Money (WSJ Magazine) rated them as #1 Online Broker in 2007 and 2008 while Barron’s gave them 4 out of 5 stars in 2008 and recognized them as part of the Top 10 Online Traders in the 2008, to name a few.

But like any other business, ETRADE has its own flaws and is flooded by complaints at times. Some claim that they make grave violation of consumer rights and discriminate against other countries and they lock the accounts of their overseas clients without any prior notice to them.

Filed Under: Investment Management Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Stock Market Trading Strategy

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Financial assets in the form of stock ("A...

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Stock Market picking is a very complex process and also investors have got different ways. Never the less, you might want to follow traditional steps to minimize the possibility of certainly this finances. In the following paragraphs describe the following techniques for choosing high performance stocks and assets.

Step 1. Settle on the time-frame and also the general combination of the contribution. This one is very important as it shall determine the form of shares you get.

Suppose you decide to manifest as a long-standing buyer, you would want to get a hold of stocks and assets that contain sustainable positive benefits of coupled with perpetual progress. The key for locating these stocks and assets is now centered on such historical overall performance just about every one of them shares over the last period in addition to perform a common industry S.W.O.T. (Strength-weakness-opportunity-threat) research in the firm.

Should you be considered a short run sponsor, you would like to comply with the following tactics:

  • a. Impulsion Trading. This system is always to find shares in which raise in either selling price and also volume during the previous. A lot of technical arguments assist this trading method. My very own advice on this feature would be to find shares which may have demonstrated balanced as well as smooth increases within rates. The idea would be the fact that whenever the assets are not risky, you can actually travel such a up-trend until the trend happens.
  • b. Contrarian Technique. This strategy is to requires over-reactions within the investment. Investigates signify that markets will never be continuously efficient, which means fees don t always correctly characterize values of your stocks. Whenever a enterprise publicizes not a good news, others be alarmed and worth usually drops along the stock’s impartial worth. To decide if a stock over-reacted to the information, make sure you try to find the prospect of restoration from the impression of these bad news. Including, generally if the original drops 20% after the supplier drops this advice that’s simply no lasting damage to the organizations brand along with product, you can be sure that the niche over-reacted. My very own suggestions about this system is usually to locate a group of stocks which may have latest declines in charges, evaluate the opportunity of a great swap (via candlestick breakdown). If the stocks and assets demonstrate candlestick reversal preferences, I shall might go to the up-to-date news to investigate the reasons from the up-to-date worth loses to check the survival about over-sold probabilities.

Step 2. Run studies that provide yourself a variety of stocks and assets that’s nonstop in your investment timeframe and also system. There are hundreds supply screeners to the that can aid you get stocks and assets for you personally.

Step 3. Upon having an array of supply to buy, you would need to spread individuals in a fashion that gets the greatest reward/risk proportion. One way to do this is conduct a Markowitz research in your portfolio. The investigation will give you the magnitude of money you ought to allocate to every supply. This task is very important due to break is among the free-lunches inside the capital world.

Each of these a few methods must get anyone started inside your adventure for faithfully make money within the stock exchange. They could strengthen your understanding in regards to the industries, and shall give a feeling of confidence that produces anyone to upgrade trading and investing actions.

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Filed Under: How To Invest, Investment Management, Online Investment Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Read Expert’s trading reviews for Tradeking ? an online brokerage firm

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tradeking, an online brokerage firm, provides services to stock and option traders. Started in December 2005 the firm has created a wonderful social networking among the investors through its website. It also offers Web 2.0 support for the investors and traders.

Tradeking fees are low and simple to understand and the firm tries to accommodate just about every trading strategy, from beginner to the most advanced. It has an extensive arsenal of tools, content and investment vehicles.

Since their inception in 2005, TradeKing has been one of the most highly awarded online brokers. And the accolades keep on coming for everything from their tools and trading platform to their Online Trader Network and customer service.

To make you aware about the current happenings in the market TradeKing provides free analysis with every account. It provides short summary which tells the customers whether they are bullish on the stock or not. It also conducts different programs like webinars for educating its customers regarding the complexity involved with online stock trading. These seminars are one of the best among the industry and highly regarded.

TradeKing Standout Features: -
One package for everything (.95 fees for option and broker assisted trades etc.)
It charges no account or trade minimums
It supports an active trader network
Accounts protected up to million

Since from its inception in 2005, TradeKing has been one of the most highly awarded online brokers. And the accolades keep on coming for everything from their tools and trading platform to their Online Trader Network and customer service.

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5 Great Features Of Commodities Trading Brokerage Firms

June 15, 2011 By 2 Comments

The economy of any country depends on several factors, and one of them is “trade”. The trading business has a tremendous global impact, and that is why the international community gives it so much of importance. As a matter of fact, trade has been seen to effect the political and social scenario of a particular country as well. This change has come about as a result of globalization, industrialization, great strides in the methods of transportation, World Web, and the coming up of multinational (production and services offered in more than two nations) companies. And now we see the birth of commodities trading brokerage firms too!

A unified organization called the WTO or World Trade Organization has also been set up by the trading community. This international body is in charge of bringing out rules and regulations concerning the international trading system. Additionally, disputes between two trading countries can be brought to them for resolution.

How much international trade has progressed can be understood by reviewing the statistics on exports and imports–

(a) Germany is said to be the leading exporter of world trade merchandise with an overall exports share of 10%. The United States exhibits 8.9% share, followed by China with 6.5% share, Japan with 6.2% share and France with 4.9% share.

(b) Where world trade merchandise import is concerned, the leader is the United States with a 16.1% share on overall imports. Germany is next with 7.6% share, China with 5.9% share, both France and United Kingdom with 4.9% share, and Japan with 4.8% share.

The research figures presented above are enough to prove how high international trade is rated by the international community. Again, changing trends in international trade impact current trends in local markets. This is especially visible where commodities trading is concerned. And that is why commodities trading brokerage firms are on the rise.

The effects visualized on commodities trading when the international market is affected, are–a probable lull in trading activities, changing values on particular commodities, a change in the efficiency of the traders and brokers, plus an impact on the various trading mediums that are in operation. The commodities trading brokerage firms are not unaffected either.

To give a more detailed commentary on commodities trading brokerage firms–

(1) They are major links between those who buy and sell commodities. The transactions are conducted via different exchanges. Since they take up the responsibility of executing all orders, they charge a small fee as commission.

(2) This does not mean to say that they command no standing in the trading community. They do! They are ready to share their expertise with major investors/traders on a professional basis. Their consultations cover the demand and supply scenario, “hot” commodities and current market dynamics.

(3) Commodities trading brokerage firms deal with all kinds of markets, ranging from industrial to agricultural and from options trading to futures trading. Currency trading and stock markets are also part of the package!

(4) There are well-established commodities trading brokerage firms that give value-added services as part of the deal. Those clients who are desperate for success are bound to take up what is offered! Value-added services constitute market intelligence and analysis, ensuring greater chances of profits. Of course, these services do not come free of cost–they are quite expensive!

(5) Thus, for the investor/trader who is passionate about commodities trading, it is advisable to take the help of commodities trading brokerage firms. The commissions to be doled out seem very small in comparison to the huge profits that he/she can get in return for listening to good advice!

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Best Brokerage Firms

May 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Based in Morris County, New Jersey, The Daily Record reviews the best brokerage firms around the brokerage world. It quotes Smart Money Magazine’s latest survey which placed Fidelity as “Premium Broker”, TradeKing as “Best Discount Broker”, and Merrill Lynch as “Best Full-Service Broker”.


Yet, the Daily Record newsroom, headed by Warren Boroson, responded that the survey of these three best brokerage firms may not be sufficient enough for brokerage trackers since it is not suitable for day-traders or those who buy only mutual funds. Accordingly, Smart Money’s survey and rankings are based only on buy-and-hold customers who are into stocks, bonds and mutual funds, those with a ,000 account, and those who want to write covered calls.


Nevertheless, the ranking of the best brokerage firms by Smart Money has still been based according to set quantifiable and qualitative criteria. To determine the best brokerage firms, Smart Money sent their reliable field reporters to open brokerage accounts in 14 potential brokerage firms. The reporters bought and sold different kinds of securities, questioned the firms’ customer service through phone and e-mail, checked their account statements and tax forms, and reviewed scrutiny on the web sites, as among some of the survey’s conducted measures.


To note, the Smart Money study also included supplementary standards to further determine the best brokerage firms more accurately or to come up with the best possible approximation through their available means. They included the brokerage firms’ size of commission, investment products, banking amenities, trading tools, level of research, and customer service.


And the results Fidelity, TradeKing, and Merrill Lynch as the three #1′s. Next to Fidelity in the honor as “Premium Broker” are E*Trade, Charles Schwab, Banc of America Investment Services, TD Ameritrade, WellsTrade, and Vanguard. Vanguard, as explained by Smart Money came last because it caters to fund-investors instead of stock-investors.


TradeKing grabbed “Best Discount Broker” although it is only a new-entry discount broker. Following the lead are Firstrade, OptionsXpress, Muriel Siebert, Scottrade, ThinkOrSwim, and WallStreet*E.


In the “Best FullService Broker”, Merrill Lynch is tagged-along by SmithBarney, Edward Jones, A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, Morgan Stanley, and UBS. Merrill Lynch replaced last year’s first-place Edward Jones because of the latter’s below-average stockpicking. Other special determinants used by Smart Money for their “Best FullService Broker” aside from the brokerage firm’s stock-picking are customer satisfaction and trust and statements.


Overall, the Daily Record recognizes Smart Money’s survey of the best brokerage firms. These may serve as good guide for people engaged or deciding to engage in brokerage, and also as good guiding-principle for self-company assessment of the forerunning brokers themselves. The outcomes of the study at least are good only for this year’06 Just for the record.

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Online Brokerage Firms

May 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are plenty of online brokerage firms out there but, like investing and trading itself, individuals should do their own research to see what will be most beneficial for their bottom line. It’s always good to look into fees, commission rates, minimum funding amounts and, of course, the trading tools, features and restrictions that may be associated with buying and trading stocks through online brokerage firms.

 

Zecco is an online discount broker that offers low price stock and options trading. Zecco offers 10 free stock trades every month when you maintain a ,000 balance or execute 25 stock trades each month. Otherwise, this service allows you to buy stocks for as low as .50 per trade, which is one of the lowest commissions of all major online brokerage firms. Zecco is popular among many traders for purchasing stocks online, especially because traders are given access to ZeccoShare online stock forums, where you can learn about stock and options trading, share stock research and exchange trading ideas and stock picks with other active traders online.

 

We’re sure you’ve heard of Scottrade, as it’s one of the most reputable brokerage firms that allows you to buy stocks online. Scottrade offers users the ability to trade both stocks and options. Of course, fees and commissions vary depending on the price of the stocks you plan on purchasing and trading. Online market and limit equity orders are priced at each for stocks over . This online stock trading resource offers a low margin interest rate. In fact, Scottrade’s margin interest rates are among the lowest of national online brokers. Not unlike a lot of online brokerage firms, an initial deposit of 0 is required to open an account, while a minimum of ,000 is necessary for a margin account, which is useful for traders who want to make multiple trades in a shorter period of time. Scottrade is also a popular online trading resource because it offers market information and research tools, whether you’re an active, experienced trader of just getting started. For the savvy, on-the-go trader, Scottrade allows users to monitor their accounts, perform research and even trade from their iPhone, BlackBerry and other internet-enabled mobiles devices.

 

Another brokerage firm that allows you to buy and trade stocks online is TD Ameritrade. This online broker offers a low, flat rate of .99 commissions on every internet equity trade, regardless of how much money you have in your account and how many shares you buy. Additionally, TD Ameritrade does not charge users maintenance of inactivity feeds. One particular element that makes TD Ameritrade appealing for online stock traders is the research and tools available to its account holders. This includes research from industry leaders, such as S&P, MorningStar and ResearchTeam, and easy-to-use tools, which also includes educational workshops. TD Ameritrade also offers a mobile trading application for iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, Android and Windows phones.

 

ChoiceTrade has gained a pretty good reputation with online traders for a number of reasons. ChoiceTrade offers web-based and software based trading platforms and, not unlike Scottrade and TD Ameritrade, a mobile trading platform compatible with BlackBerry, iPhone and iPod Touch, and several phones using Windows Mobile. It may come as no surprise that ChoiceTrade offers online stock traders a variety of choices, with monthly base fees ranging from “free” to 6 for the more advanced ChoiceTrader Select with eSignal, which includes Level 2 quotes for NASDAQ stocks. If you’re interesting in trading penny stocks, ChoiceTrade may be of particular interest, as there is no surcharge on penny stocks for purchases of up to 500,000 shares. ChoiceTrade offers a Market News section, which pulls in news feeds from M2 Presswire, United Press International, SinoCast and several other resources. Last, but certainly not least, ChoiceTrade providers traders with an online community that allows you to create a personal profile, meet and communicate with other members, form investment clubs and, for experienced traders, even start of blog of your own.

 

SogoTrade is another popular online brokerage firm. One particular reason for this resource’s increasing popularity is online equity trades. Broker-assisted trades, of course, are more expensive. Whether you use a broker to assist you in your online trades or not, SogoTrade does not put a limit on the number of shares you can purchase. SogoTrade also does not charge users inactivity or maintenance fees. Additionally, there is no monthly subscription fee and you can get started trading stocks online with a deposit of just 0. Once traders get started, they will be able to utilizing SogoTrade’s one-click trading center, free streaming quotes, stock news and historical charts, and, if so desired, the ETF Research Center. Whether you’re interesting in trading sub penny stocks or are looking for large cap stocks, SogoTrade offers its members powerful trading technology built “by traders, for traders.”

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Compare Multiple Brokerage Firms to Find the Best Stock Broker

May 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are a trader looking for a good stock broker then you need to compare multiple brokerage firms in order to find the best stock broker to meet your investment goals. Many stock brokers provide traders and investors with market trend reports, graphs and advice on when, where and how to buy and sell stocks and options. They also give their clients software or web bases platforms in order to perform their buying and selling transactions.

If for some reason the platforms are not working properly clients expect the stock brokers to be readily available to perform the transactions for them. And they have to be performed in record time because speed is of the essences in this industry. Missing an order can mean huge losses so stock brokers have to be fast and knowledgeable in order to stay in business. If their clients are not satisfied with their services they will soon be standing alone without any clients to support.

Stock brokers have to stay completely up to date with the latest market trends and information. This is vital to ensure accurate and timely advice is provided to their clients. Tracking the movement of the markets and exchanges, and understand the cause and effects of global economies and news can provide value insight in to the daily market results.

When comparing the various stock brokers find out how their commissions are made. There are as many variations of obtaining commissions as there are stock brokerages firms. Each firm has differences in how they make their commissions and what they charge per transaction. Some have stipulations on the minimum amount required to open up an account, and sometimes minimums on the actual buying and selling transactions. So make sure you understand all the costs, fees and requirements from a brokerage firm and compare them all to make sure you are making the right selection.

For the Best Stock Brokers comparisons, reviews and resources visit http://www.yourbrokerguide.com.

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Brokerage Firms Help Debt Consolidation With Margin Loans

May 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Debt consolidation can occur with a margin loan obtained from your brokerage firm. Consumers who hold securities, such as stocks and bonds, in a margin account can acquire the necessary funds to pay off multiple high-interest debts.

Debt consolidation allows consumers to convert numerous balances into one easy account with low monthly payments. This process yields lower interest rates, and consumers gain the convenience of only dealing with only one creditor.

A margin loan from a brokerage firm or investment bank entails borrowing money against the cash value of an asset. Many consumers don’t realize the benefits of using a margin loan for debt consolidation. Margin loans can save large sums of money in interest charges when compared to other secured loans, such as home equity loans or secured credit cards.

A consumer with stocks, bonds or mutual funds deposited in a margin account at a brokerage firm can borrow against the value under certain limitations. Consumers who elect this debt-relief method obtain the financial support to eliminate credit cards with debt consolidation. By eliminating multiple credit debts, the consumer enters into one low-interest debt with the brokerage firm.

Debt consolidation with a margin loan at a brokerage firm is a fast and affordable method of regaining financial stability. The total amount of available funds through a margin loan depends on the market value of the stock. Brokerage firms lend a certain portion of the market value, usually around 65 to 70 percent.

However, debt consolidation with a margin loan involves some risk of inheriting more debt. If the market value of the stock declines, the brokerage firm may require the borrower to pay back the difference, which can include the entire margin loan depending on the amount of depreciation.

Debt consolidation using a margin loan from a brokerage firm can benefit consumers with low interest rates and more flexibility.

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