The Best Platforms for Investments
The Investors Centre platforms have replaced old-fashioned stockbrokers as the most popular way for people to invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. These online services make it easier than ever to open an Individual Savings Account (Isa) or Self-Invested Personal Pension (Sipp). Many also offer a wide range of ready-made portfolios that match investors’ risk appetite.
Some of the best investment platforms provide access to comprehensive research tools and market analysis, while others are more focused on enabling new investors to get started quickly with little or no experience. In addition, some platforms offer unique features, such as a simple mobile app or the ability to buy fractional shares of stock.
Comprehensive Investment Guides for Every Investor
For example, eToro, which serves 33 million users across 140 countries, provides a community-driven approach to investing. Its CopyTrader feature lets users automatically duplicate trades from a more experienced user with little effort. eToro also offers educational materials and other resources to help new investors.
Among full-service brokers, Schwab stands out for its robust ETF and options trading platform and competitive fees and commissions. Its marketplace includes Schwab branded ETFs that rival the lowest-cost options from heavyweights like Vanguard and Fidelity. Schwab also allows you to invest in more than 3,300 no-transaction-fee mutual funds, which is a rare feature for an online broker.
It’s important to note that any investments made through an investment platform come with risks. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than what you put in.