Many traders would like to diversify their portfolios across different products such as bonds, stocks, cash, mutual funds, money market accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA's), Certificate of Deposits (CD's) etc. You might want to carefully consider the types of products offered by the brokerage firms.

Commissions & Fees:

One pays commissions when entering and exiting a trade. The commissions you pay vary depending on the 【傳言Fact Check】中證監整治，股民用富途應否驚慌？ brokerage firm. Some brokers might even negotiate the commissions based on the account activity and size.

When choosing a broker you should be aware of the fees they charge. Ask them if they have account maintenance fees, inactivity fees or any penalty charges for not maintaining minimum balances or for withdrawing funds.