UK Stock Market Guide - Compare financial sites: Comdirect and American Express Sharepeople < < < < < < <

About Comdirect

comdirect is Europe's biggest stockbroker and a subsidiary of Commerzbank, a financial group with banking and investment operations across the world.

comdirect ltd, which has operated in the UK since June 2000, is a member of the London Stock Exchange and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Their expertise in online broking has been developed since 1997, when comdirect bank AG launched its internet service in Germany.

comdirect ltd is a pioneer of a fair deal for investors, offering the same flat price of Ł12.50 for online and phone trades. They also take the lead in technological developments and product innovation. They were, for example, the first online broker in the UK to offer limit and stop orders, as well as the first to offer a SIPP Dealing account that gives the investor the flexibility to choose his/her own pension administrator.

Products and Services

Range of investments
With comdirect you can trade in:

UK and international equities

investment trusts

exchange traded funds

over 150 unit trusts from 5 leading providers

gilts

Markets
Invest in all UK CREST-settleable equities (including AIM) and all major European and North American markets, all for the same flat fee.

Dealing online or by phone
Best execution from a range of market makers: 80% of trades better "the touch" or "yellow strip" price - the best prevailing bid and offer quoted on SEAQ (Stock Exchange Automated Quotation), or the best prevailing bid and offer on the Order Book (also known as SETS - Stock Exchange Electronic Trading Service.)

They also offer limit and stop orders at no extra charge. These are constantly monitored and good for up to 90 days.

Investor support
The Market Focus pages offer comprehensive market index information. Drill down through the indices to news and reports on specific companies, and set up advanced charting to monitor key movements in selected stocks. Account holders also get free access to broker research, consensus estimates and directors' dealings.

Visit http://www.comdirect.co.uk/

Stock Brokers > American Express Sharepeople

About American Express Sharepeople

American Express Sharepeople is one of the leading online brokers in the UK. American Express Sharepeople is the umbrella marketing name for Sharepeople Limited which became one of the American Express group companies following an acquisition in January 2001. The American Express group is one of the world’s leading card and travel service providers. American Express Sharepeople brings together the innovations and market expertise of the retail broking industry with one of the most respected and recognisable service brands in the world. American Express Sharepeople will utilise the strengths of its parent brand along with the experience and knowledge of the Sharepeople team to continue to offer a broad range of investment services aimed at empowering and educating the private investor.

"American Express Sharepeople is committed to making our customers feel valued through the provision of exceptional service. Delivering such service can only be achieved if we have in place both the systems and the people to facilitate it. We strongly believe that we have both. A system, which takes on-line broking into a new dimension and people with years of knowledge and experience in their particular fields.

Our people are dedicated and motivated to meeting the high standards we expect from them. They are encouraged and supported to develop themselves personally and professionally at every opportunity. We do this through creating an environment where people work together, share ideas and continually improve. Everyone in the business has the opportunity to make a difference regardless of who they are or where they work."

Ivan Schouker, CEO American Express Sharepeople

Products and Services

Accounts
Sharepeople offers a Trading Account (with no annual fee) and Maxi and Mini ISA Accounts, all with access to international markets, and commissions from only Ł9.50! Sharepeople also offers a PEP Account giving you the opportunity to transfer existing PEPs into a single provider.

Markets
Sharepeople offers access to a wide range of UK, US, and European securities, via the LSE, NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX, Jiway and Nasdaq Europe markets in a choice of settlement currencies including Sterling, US Dollars, Euros and other European currencies.

Trading
Sharepeople customers enjoy real-time prices on over 2000 LSE securities, the ability to place ‘fill or kill’ limit orders, trade in multiple currencies, receive e-mail and SMS alerts.

Funds
A wide range of unit trusts and OEICs investing in global markets, including our choice of funds identified in association with Standard & Poor's.

Access
Sharepeople customers have access to their accounts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the Internet and Sharepeople VoiceTrader. Our friendly Customer Services Team are available during opening hours.

News and Analysis
Extensive portfolio management tools including Virtual Portfolios and measuring with RiskGrades, with access to Reuters news, Directors' Dealings and broker forecasts.

Education
Enjoy 4 helpful services at the Sharepeople Education Centre. Buy books through their Investment Bookshop, train online with their range of Investment Courses, check out the latest events on the Investment Calendar, and consult our comprehensive Investment Glossary.

Visit http://www.securesharepeople.com