Discount & Online Brokerage Firms:

Providers of Everything From App-Based Trading to Comprehensive Financial Advice

Recently Released!!!
Date Published: May 22, 2024
Summary PowerPoint Deck: 344 Slides
Reference PowerPoint Deck: 2,181 Slides


The purpose of this research is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of discount & online brokerage firms (as well as the consumer direct offerings from some no-load mutual fund companies), with specific attention being paid to the big three firms (Schwab Investor Services, Fidelity Investments, & E*Trade Financial), three other unique competitors (Interactive Brokers Group, Merrill Edge, & Vanguard Brokerage Services), and five rapidly emerging firms (Coinbase Global, eToro Group, Robinhood Markets, Stash Financial, & Webull).

This research starts with a context setting chapter, and then addresses the historical phases of discount & online brokerage firms, including:
  • Branches, Telephones, & Software Trading Phase
  • Online Trading Phase
  • App-Based Trading & Financial Advice Phase
  • Consolidation & Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Phase
This research defines distinct market segments of discount & online brokerage firms, including:
  • Discount Brokerage Firms
  • Online Brokerage Firms
This research analyzes the competitive factors for discount & online brokerage firms, including:
  • Account Types & Minimums
  • Investment Products & Research
  • Commissions, Fees, & Margin Interest Rates
  • Technology Platforms
  • Customer Service
  • Corporate Structure
This research outlines key service providers to discount & online brokerage firms, including:
  • Technology Infrastructure Platforms & Clearing Brokers
  • Market Data, News, Research, & Tools Providers
  • Open-End Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), & Other Product Companies
And this research makes several future predictions for discount & online brokerage firms, including:
  • Substantial Growth for Discount & Online Brokerage Firms
  • Dominant & Increasing Market Share for Discount Brokerage Firms
  • Growing Use of Fractional Shares, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), & Digital Assets (Cryptocurrencies)
  • Continuing Challenging International Opportunities for Discount & Online Brokerage Firms
  • Modest Discount & Online Brokerage Firm Venture Capital Investing
  • Continuing Discount & Online Brokerage Firms Mergers & Acquisitions Activity
  • Limited Discount & Online Brokerage Firm Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)



















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