Viacom Inc. VIAB

Brokerage Request

[ChuLai70]

I would appreciate suggestions for a good online discount broker of Canadian stocks (both TSX and Venture) for US based investors.

[titleistproV]

Try ETrade Canada

[Electrum.jk]

As a US investor your are not permitted to have an account with a Canadian stock brokerage company..This law was implemented about 10 years ago because uncle sam wanted all brokerage commissions flowing to USonian hands..Yes, uncle sam knows best..Its protectionism not free trade as per NAFTA..And we Canadians are so weak we wont bite the bullet on sOFT wOOD by imposing a 37% tarriff on lumber and

[ChuLai70]

The question was for access to Canadian markets for a US based investor. I am aware that Canadian brokers don't accept US clients and vice-versa. That doesn't prevent market access. I'm aware of Interactive Brokers LLC, which offers a great platform, but I was wondering if there are others.

[BNPUN]

Try CMC markets. Only 5% margin required. Horrible spreads though. And market orders take around 20 - 25 seconds to fill - which means you usually don't get the price you want. Often it's way off.

[kmilne]

Other than IB and Etrade I would have to say TDWaterhouse would be the best of the big banks brokerages.

[jonesrj]

I am personally going to start a corporation in British Columbia Corporation. The Corporation is a citizen of Canada, even if you, the founder, are not. This year British Columbia threw the door wide open. No longer is it necessary to have a Canadian involved in a Canadian corporation in any way. There is no reason for anyone involved in a British Columbian corporation to ever go to Canada.

[BNPUN]

Stay away from Etrade. Their customer service is horrible. TDWaterhouse is expensive and they don't update your account balances for 24 hours. If you place a buy order, then cancel it later in the evening, you can't place another buy order because the system will tell you there is no buying power left. Even though you cancelled another buy order which should free up all that cash

[rolfoto]

Scotia McLoed gives you "up to the minute" cash balance but still takes overnight to update portfolio. Graphing allows you to compare up to 3 stocks "real time" and even intraday which is handy. Trades are average $23.00

[titleistproV]

I found Royal Banks Action Direct to be poor service so I switched to ETrade and find them OK. I test drove QTrade and I agree they seem to have a good site , as to their service I can't comment.

[BNPUN]

I find QTrade's service to be excellent. I've had nothing but trouble with ETrade for years. Just wait until there's a market meltdown, or say you want to get in on Encana as it's jumping minute by minute on the latest rumour. That is precisely when ETrade's system will freeze up. So you call their trading number only to be put on hold for 45 minutes. It'll happen