Site to buy ETFs at

mtgordon · #1 03-09-2007, 11:24 AM

Is there a consensus one which site/sites are good for buying ETFs? I'm almost positive there's no difference between buy them and stocks so a good stock site would work as well. If there's not a consensus, can someone point to some sites or a thread about this (I couldn't find one with the search option).

Also, I already have a Vanguard account, can/should I just buy them through there so I don't have to bother with another site?

BeL0wMe · #2 03-09-2007, 12:26 PM

for vanguard etf's sure, otherwise check out some of the discount brokers, zecoo, firstrade, scottrade etc.

ilikeaces86_ · #3 03-09-2007, 02:30 PM

www.zecco.com

MatthewRyan · #4 03-09-2007, 05:56 PM

mtgordon, be sure to check the buying and selling cost.

I remember signing up with sharebuilder when I turned 18 because they had like $4 trades (buys). Later I found out the only way to sell was with a $15 market order. lesson learned.

gull · #5 03-10-2007, 06:52 AM

In my opinion, the differences between discount brokerages are not all that significant. Saving $2 per trade may not be very much money when compared to the returns of your portfolio.

mtgordon · #6 03-10-2007, 03:06 PM

I'm planning on using Vanguard ETFs so I think I'll stick with Vanguard to simplify things a bit (since I have my IRA there). If this seems like throwing my money away please object.

Sand · #7 03-10-2007, 04:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
In my opinion, the differences between discount brokerages are not all that significant. Saving $2 per trade may not be very much money when compared to the returns of your portfolio.

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on the size of your portfolio. A dozen ETFs at $10 a trade is $120. In a $12k portfolio that is a 1% hit to return. It all depends on trade frequency and the portfolio size.

Zecco works for me.

mtgordon · #8 03-12-2007, 11:09 AM

Just a quick follow up for those that are interested. I called Vanguard and they informed me that it is $25 per transaction through their brokerage. This is much higher than I thought it would be. I now plan on using zecco since I plan on purchasing 5+ ETFs.

As always, if what I am saying seems very wrong just let me know and I'll look into things again.

csuf_gambl0o0r · #9 03-12-2007, 12:31 PM

[ QUOTE ]
www.zecco.com

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whats the catch with this site? it says 40 trades a month for free, whats the deal?

Sand · #10 03-12-2007, 12:50 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
www.zecco.com

[/ QUOTE ]

whats the catch with this site? it says 40 trades a month for free, whats the deal?

[/ QUOTE ]

They say a trades real cost is only a couple bucks or so and that they intend to generate business using other methods - advertising and such.

They are insured, which is the important part.