How are we different in the way we trade stocks?

I probably haven't mentioned this before, but in addition to my full-time university studies and the small amount of funds that I manage, I also work part-time at a stockbroking firm and at an accounting firm.

At the stockbroking firm, EL&C Baillieu, I update old reports and am currently writing up my first research report on an Australian company called Lemarne Corporation.

The firm was recently listed in an issue of "Shares" magazine in Australia as having the "Best Market Reports" freely available online. www.baillieu.com.au if you want to check them out. :)

My work at the accounting firm is mainly tax-related.

In Australia there are a number of discount stockbrokers around. The more well known ones are the online brokers like Commonwealth Securities and E*Trade, where you can place orders online or by telephone, for differing fees. Although these are well known in Australia, they still represent a small portion of the market, with only around 5% of dollar-weighted trades going through them.

This is understandable, however, as most fund managers who move large funds and execute large trades are still more likely to use "traditional" full-service stockbroking firms or investment banks like Merrill Lynch, rather than their discount counterparts.

To trade options, most stockbrokers will do it but may require you to sign an additional form saying you understand what you're doing.

To trade futures you need to go to a futures broker. There are less of these around. Many futures brokers also allow you to trade stocks, but not the other way around.

As for commissions, Commonwealth Securities charges (for trades over the 'net) $31.60 for transactions up to $10000, and 0.32% for transactions over $10000.

I believe (offhand) that the firm I work for charges 2.5% for trades up to $10000, then 1.5% on the next $10000 then 1% on amounts above that (minimum $30). I'd say EL&C Baillieu is a full service firm, though.

I'm pretty sure this means trading costs are more expensive in Australia than in the US.

One main difference between investing in the US and Australia which I've noticed (as I invest in both countries) is that it is much easier to get company information in the US.

There are plenty of websites in the US where you can instantly look up company information, and only a handful of such sites in Australia.

This is no surprise, however, considering Australia's small market -- even though over half of Australia's population own shares, the fact still remains that California has more people than all of Australia.

- Thomas.

> Dien, and others who reside in Oz. and NZ do
> you have discount stock brokers like we have
> in Canada and the US?

> Can you execute your own trades online or do
> you have to phone your full service broker
> to trade equities, options, futures, etc.

> Also, what kinds of commission rates
> (average) do you pay?

> Just curious to know what the differences
> are.

> Thanks.

> Eliz.