For example, we found a demo mode, Level II information, and direct access to specific venues (we counted seven).īoth brokerage firms have also launched skills for Amazon’s Echo devices.įidelity and Schwab have one mobile app each (some brokers have more than one). Called Active Trader Pro, it has no account minimums and has a lot of the same features that Schwab’s platform has. It does have a desktop system that rivals Edge. Instead, it is a pop-up system that appears after you click on a trade button.įidelity doesn’t have a browser platform like StreetSmart central, although its website is plenty good for most traders. There is a trade ticket, but it doesn’t sit at the bottom of the screen. There aren’t as many menu choices, so it’s a little bit harder to navigate. When we logged into our Fidelity test account, we found a somewhat different website. We also found Level II quotes and advanced option orders. Perhaps the most important feature on the platform is a simulated trading login, which is great for new users.ĭirect-access routing is available on the platform, although there are only two market makers. Named StreetSmart Edge, it carries no account requirements. If you prefer to bypass website trading altogether, you can download and install the broker’s desktop software. It offers complex orders such as contingents and triggers.

This is designed for accounts that have futures trading enabled. There’s also a browser platform called StreetSmart central. The tool does provide some helpful info, such as bid and ask numbers. A trade link generates a new web page with an order form. While we call it a trade bar, it can’t actually trade anything. Schwab’s website is easy to use and has a lot of helpful tools, one of which is a trade bar that appears at the bottom of the screen.

The better you understand the software, the less likely you are to make a (costly) mistake. If you decide to bypass the portfolio management services that are available through the two brokers in our examination, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the trading tools of whichever firm you choose.

What Types of Software Do the Two Firms Have?

Streetsmart edge graphs not loading