Which Brokerage Is the Best?
When a bank gets gobbled up by a challenger, customers often end up paying higher fees and are required to keep bigger balances. According to Needham (Mass.) research firm Tower Group, the business has shrunk from 154 players in 2000 to about 60 today. Yet for some customers, fees are down. Thats below what most institutional investors pay. The catch is that the firm charges a $10 monthly maintenance fee if you dont spend at least $10 trading. But for many investors, the $120 minimum annual cost is well worth it.