TradeStation is a widely known trading platform that provides its users with many options, such as trading in stocks, testing, ETFs, and futures. It is one of the leading platforms when it comes to trading and brokerage. Still, not a lot of information can be found online in regards to its origin and history.

What do we know about TradeStation?

TradeStation boasts itself as being one of the fastest and most trusted platforms whose performance is compared to that of a great race car. As the race car driver can modify some features to enhance the car’s power, the TradeStation users can adjust the platform to ensure a flawless trade execution.

Some of the platform features include the usage of a market scanner, an auto trade strategy, backtesting (based on historical data) and the possibility of setting up charts.

In 2000, you could use TradeStation as a paid software for trade automation, and it had a monthly cost of $99. However, since the trading platforms market is very competitive, the company that owns TradeStation has decided to waive the fee.

Furthermore, Barron’s magazine has ranked it high on its list of Best Online Brokers. Still, is that reason enough for anyone to choose it over other trading platforms? Let us try to answer this question by taking a closer look at its tools and products.

What exactly does TradeStation offer to its users?

TradeStation University

If you are an absolute beginner in the world of trade or if you feel like extending your trading knowledge and upgrading your skills, TradeStation has got you covered. Hence, one of the greatest features the platform offers is the TradeStation University. In addition, all information it provides is completely free.

Upon choosing the topic of their interest, users are introduced to twelve professors. Each morning they organize pre-market briefings to update everyone on the latest market news. If for whatever reason you miss your lesson, you can read all the material at any point.

TradeStation Account Types

When someone decides to sign up for this platform, they can choose from five different account types:

• A personal account with only one owner.
• This is a shared account owned by two or more individuals. In case one of the account owners should die, there are two ways in which the interest of the deceased can be handled.
• This is a retirement account that offers four different options to a user in regards to the retirement accounts or a retirement plan.
• An account that concerns U.S. business entities. There are six different sub-accounts: corporate, general partnership, limited partnership, trust, limited liability company, sole proprietorship.
• An account managed by an adult on behalf of an underaged individual (who can be either 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state of residence and the laws that apply).

Once you decide which account you will use, you then have to choose how you will fund it. The options are: via wire transfer, check deposit or electronic transfer (ACAT).

Stock and options accounts are the most inexpensive choices as they require $ 500 for cash and $ 2,000 for margin. However, initial funding for Futures Trading, on the other hand, is $ 5,000.

TradeStation Costs

When using TradeStation, the following prices will apply. Still, bear in mind that each option includes a software, premium tools and real-time data free of charge:

• Stocks and ETFs – $ 5 per trade.
• Options – $ 0.50 per contract plus $ 5 per trade. When you trade in small blocks, you can save $1.00 per contract with no base/ticket charge. The minimum, in this case, is one contract market or limit.
• Futures – $ 1.50 per contract.
• Mutual Funds – $ 14.95 per trade. Users can choose from many funds that are provided by 79 fund families.
• Bonds – $ 14.95 plus $ 5 per bond to trade government, corporate and municipal bonds.

If someone is an active trader, additional pricing options are available. However, If you are a beginner, bundle pricing might be your safest option.

TradeStation – pros and cons

Pros:

• Free training (TradeStation University)
• Excellent customer support
• The possibility of backtesting trading strategies and accessing your account anywhere, anytime (there’s even a mobile app).

Cons:

• It is difficult to navigate the platform.
• There is not enough information about the safety of one’s funds
• There is no free trial.
• The background of TradeStation, for the most part, remains unfamiliar.

If you want to try out the app and its features, you can do so by visiting https://www.tradestation.com.

Of course, if this is what you were looking for, that is great. However, it can be confusing for someone who is entirely new to trading. After all, it is not easy to figure out what this website has to offer. So, let’s delve a bit deeper into it and find out.

Design

The website definitely presents itself as a very modern service. From the first look at it, you can see that it was designed by experienced traders in collaboration with well-trained software developers. The creators of the website believe that they can work together with the community share ideas and learn more. This is something you can notice quite quickly.

What is TradingView

Whenever you consider choosing a service the main thing to look for is what makes it different. For TradingView it is probably the moderators. They are essentially active members of the community who do not stand above the users. The moderators are, in fact, users who TradingView’s staff finds trustworthy and capable. They are here to help newer members and answer the questions they might have. And they do it for free. So, the best part of TradingView is the enthusiasm that might sweep you off your feet when you join.

It is really impressive when you consider that TradingView is taking its community a lot more seriously than any other service.

Services

While it might not be easy to find which features you can access via TradingView, the list is quite impressive. First of all, a beginner would be more than happy to use the HTML5 Charts that are readily available. Of course, this is useful for pros as well. There are also server alerts as instant notifications you can set up. There are 12 conditions you can set up for the alert to be triggered. You can also opt to receive those alerts via e-mail, text or a popup.

You will also be able to use their screener to search through the stock with metrics of your choice.

If you need an analysis of the market, you can use their tool for technical analysis. It actually includes over a hundred different studies. They even have a programming language of their own. In fact, modifying anything seems to be rather easy.

Training exercises are also available to anyone who doesn’t feel ready to trade just yet. Their broad market data coverage is a feed which will give you instant access to major assets. This includes stocks, futures, even Bitcoins. There is even a section named “Even more Tools” which you should definitely check out.

Costs

Unlike many other services, TradingView has very simple plans for their users.

You can use the standard plan called “Pro” for $14.95. This provides access to the tools a casual trader might need. And you can even bring the price down to $9.95 if you purchase a two-year subscription.

You can opt for the Pro+ plan for $29.95 per month. This provides the tools necessary for serious traders. The cost, of course,goes down to $19.95 with a two-year plan.

And lastly, you can choose the Premium for $59.95 a month. This will give you a no-limit access to the features available as well as complete support. Purchasing a two-year plan will drive the price down to 39.95 dollars per month.

The best part is that TradingView has a free trial period of 30 days. And that is for all three plans. However, there are no refunds.

Pros

*Incredibly useful charting

*Very competitive prices

*Free trial for a month

*An active community of traders.

Cons

*No refunds

*Navigation is not very easy.

Verdict

If you plan on being a serious trader and want to be a part of a collective this might be the right place for you. The charting functions seem to be very useful and the technology they offer is top-notch. And, of course, the fact that they offer a free trial is a big plus. However, if you choose not to continue using them after the trial, do not forget to cancel the subscription. Bear in mind that the automatic billing function might kick in if you don’t cancel it.

There are tons of different trading platforms and software to help with your charting out there. Some of them even offer free services in the form of information on stock prices at the end of the day. So, it is rather clear that you have some choices to make.

In fact, the number of options makes finding the perfect software for your needs is not an easy task. So, if you want to know if eSignal is the right choice for you, read on, it should help you.

What is eSignal?

To put it simply eSignal is a trading and charting platform. It allows its members to trade, gain information in real-time and create charts with that live data. So, if you are searching for a service that allows real-time charting and trading on a single platform, this could be it.

Since eSignal is a part of Interactive Data you can expect quality data.

Of course, as many other services, eSignal offers online education if you want it. This means that the platform is suitable for the new guy as well. And it only requires a very limited knowledge of data searching and coding.

The features will cover most of the markets and channels you might find important.

Once you start browsing through their website you will see that the platform is rather useful. And it can come in handy for any type of a trader. The data is accurate and the platform performs regular updates while the design is rather clear. Of course, you will also be able to set alerts, something that everyone with experience agrees is important.

You can also save all of the settings you make so you can use multiple devices to navigate at the same time.

Of course, they offer a range of services with different costs, so let’s take a quick glance at those.

eSignal CLASSIC

For the casual trader, this plan has everything you need. While it is not perfect for day traders who try to make quick trades, it is a great choice for those who make a couple of trades each month. This is the basic version of the service that costs only $47 a month, but it has a delay of 15 minutes.

eSignal SIGNATURE

As always, the medium option is the most popular one. The Signature plan provides every information in real time and it costs $152 per month. And, while the Classic plan allows you to check out 200 symbols or less at a time, this one allows up to 500. Additionally, you will also be able to use the learning center. With access to this database, beginners will have what they require to gain knowledge.

eSignal ELITE

The Elite plan is the most expensive one. It will cost you 309 dollars each month, which is definitely not a small figure. However, if you are serious about trading it might be well worth the money. The Elite subscription plan includes multiple features. With it, you will also have extended access to the market’s history, and the Advanced GET platform for technical analysis.

The additional platform will offer you an opportunity to analyze the market a lot more thoroughly than previous plans would. There are multiple categories you can use to track the stock in its lowest or highest settings. You will be able to project your earnings and trade through the eSignal website directly.

Customer Support

One of the things eSignal excels at is customer support. And it doesn’t change depending on the plan you are using. You will have 24/7 support access via the website by using the chat function. You will also be able to access the FAQ portion of the site in the form of their Knowledge Base. In fact, with the Knowledge Base, you will rarely actually require help from the support team as it is very extensive.

Pros

*Charting is advanced and simple to do.

*Various add-ons available to make your trading easier.

*Access to a stream of real-time data

Cons

*The Elite plan costs over 300 dollars a month, and that is without exchange fees.

*You have to pay for every add-on you choose.

*Some features are hard to use.

Verdict

This is a very useful tool that can come in handy for anyone willing to put in the effort. Of course, it will cost a bit more than the others, but overall it should be worth it. You can also use the option to check it out with a free trial period of 30 days. Definitely worth giving a shot.

Merrill Edge puts a focus on dedication to its customers. Strong relationships between customers and employees are the foundation of their business. This is achieved by gathering experience from over two million satisfied customers.Customers use helpful tools and research results to improve their investment knowledge and decision making.

What differentiates Merrill Edge from its competitors is the need to provide each of their users with exactly the type of investment strategy they need. They do this by creating informed portfolios, limiting risks and specifying investment time frames.

Here I will try to show all the necessary information about Merrill Edge and its products.

Merrill Edge platform –  tools and accounts

Merrill Edge provides their users with simple investing and banking tools. They combine their research and insights with those from Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, with whom they cooperate closely. You can follow all of your investments and your Bank of America account on the same page using this platform. This feature is also available on mobile devices. You can transfer money between your different accounts in one simple step.

When it comes to helping less experienced users, The Financial Solutions Advisor is a type of service that you can’t find in other places. He is there to sort out your priorities and to create a sound investment plan that suits your personal needs. You can find your Advisor in over 2,000 Bank of America centers.

Merrill Edge also provides educational courses. With this, users can develop a better understanding of trading stocks, bonds and ETFs.

There is a number of useful tools provided by the Merrill Edge platform. These tools are there to help you define and reach your investment goals. Tools that are included in the package are:

• security profiles
• MarketPro – advanced training options tool
• real-time stock market analysis
• detailed profiles of companies
• customisable stock screeners
• third-party analytics and insight
• mobile investing

When it comes to accounts, Merrill Edge offers a few different types:

• Personal banking accounts – organized to your needs
• Online brokerage accounts – for personal investments or as a custodial account
• Small business accounts – great for managing finances for your business
• Retirement accounts – with different tax reduction options and deferred growth
• College accounts – highly flexible investment planning

All of these groups have more detailed options. You can always choose the one that will best suit your needs.

Pricing and mobile trade opportunities

Opening up an investment account with Merrill Edge may cost you up to 600$, depending on the type and account features. You can see the full pricing details on their website.

Merrill Edge puts a focus on simple pricing conditions. They offer a flat rate of $6.95 for equity, and ETF trades with no trade or balance minimum. Some other examples of fees include:

• Guided investing with a professional portfolio balances and managed by Merrill Lynch personnel for a 0.45% fee annually, with an investing minimum of $5,000
• Financial Advisor services, personalized to your goals and investment needs, for a 0.85% fee annually, with an investing minimum of $20,000

These are just a few examples. You can find the entire pricing system, which is transparent and easy to read, on their online platform.

Merrill Edge offers access to a number of features and mobile trading opportunities that allow you to stay on top of your investment goals. A number of mobile tools will help you have a clear picture of your account and investment plan. They want to make sure that the entire process is suited to your personal needs, and that you can always get the best possible solution.

For more active and experienced traders, Merrill Edge offers the MarketPro package that gives you total control over the investment decisions. Great customer service is available to all users, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact them by phone or email.

Summary

The biggest advantage of Merrill Edge platform is the personalized service they offer to all their customers. They focus on building trust with their users by giving good advice, creating sound investment plans and helping with every aspect of the process. Customer support and lots of informative tools are also a plus. Although, one thing that is often overlooked is the always available access to mobile trading.

It is important to note that the website itself is not very user-friendly and a bit difficult to navigate. There are no virtual practice options for trading, which is not helpful for beginners.

In conclusion, Merrill Edge provides a well-rounded service, adjusted to your individual needs and preferences.