:: online brokers

there are numerous online brokers of varying quality. here are a few we know of that might be of interest to you.

A more modern alternative to a traditional trading account is a 'spread betting' account. These accounts provide a much simplified process compared to ordinary accounts, allowing you to, for example, trade indexes and futures as easily as you trade stocks. Additionally, spread betting accounts are tax free, which will REALLY help you build up that account size! Rapidly overtaking traditional brokers in Europe and the UK, the 2 best spread betting firms are:-
Capital Spreads www.CapitalSpreads.com	CapitalSpreads has a reputation as the fastest, easiest, most liquid trading firm around. Long established, they have an excellent simple browser freindly system, and you can even open up a free 'virtual' account and paper trade with live prices to see how good you are before committing any cash.
Best of the rest:-
Intrade www.intrade.com	Second only to CityIndex, Intrade have been coming up fast for a while. Their spreads are competitive, and customer service is generally regarded as good.
However, if you really MUST open a 'traditional' trading account, try:-
AmeriTrade 1-800-454-9272 www.ameritrade.com	Ameritrade (merged with Datek) offers unlimited share trading via the web for $10.99. Customer support is good, and they offer extended hours trading and options trading.
Charles Schwab 1-800-435-4000 www.schwab.com	Charles Schwab offers a complete array of brokerage services. Perceived as 'higher quality' than Ameritrade, their commissions are as low as $14.95 for active traders, or $29.95 over the internet for non-actives.
ETrade Securites 1-800-786-2575 www.etrade.com	ETrade provide trading in stocks, options and mutual funds. Commissions go as low as $14.95. Extra facilities available for active traders.
Investrade 1-800-498-7120 www.investrade.com	With commissions as low as $7.95 per trade (unlimited shares), you can trade online for without fear of broker costs eating your profits. Option commisions go as low as $14.95.
Scottrade 1-800-619-7283 www.scottrade.com	Scottrade has 75 local offices, and their commissions go as low as $7 for online trades - this is one bargain basement broker you can't beat!
TD Waterhouse 1-800-453-5080 www.waterhouse.com	TD Waterhouse do commisssions as small as $9.95. Additionally, they offer free research, quotes and plenty more if you are on a budget.