[TraderJean]

Originally Posted by diablo272 »

So if I had an account with an FCM, I wouldn't have a representative at the firm? Who would I contact if I were to have a problem? How would I open the account in the first place?

Of course they'll open your account and give you an 800 number to call. If you're big enough 100K+ they'll treat you like a king (or queen.)

But I think most FCMs aren't set up for the smaller retail client. Most self directed accounts will receive long hold times and something less than quality service. If you've been with IB or TradeStation you probably know what i'm talking about.

Having said that, I am just speaking from my personal experience. I would guess there are good IBs and not so good IBs. Just like there are good and bad FCMs. It's a search and discovery process. I'm just glad i'm with Infinity.

TraderJean

[Wes]

Originally Posted by cnbcaddict »

I use Insignia futures, mainly becuase of the free platform that they give you to trade with and get quotes with. Initially the platform cost can ruin most traders budget. I have been with them for over 2 years with no problems.

Is that $4.99 per trade on their site correct? If so, that sounds like a rip unless the person really, really likes the software or something else.

[Vandelay]

take a look at infinity futures, they have a great platform and low fees.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Vandelay »

take a look at infinity futures, they have a great platform and low fees.

How low are the "low fees"? I hear "low fees" all the time for different places, but few people actually say the fee. (Yes, yes, the fee can be different depending on how many RTs you do.)

[Vandelay]

You are absolutely correct in that it depends on how many RT's you do and how large you account is. I pay $4.80 per round trip on the YM. What contracts you trade also changes the fees.

[Wes]

Good to hear some numbers. I think that's the same/similar as IB's standard price. There's also MB which is $4.20 RT standard price for YM.

[MoreYummy]

brownsfan019 : What is the fee from that company for es, ym?

[maxima]

I really dont get why people recommend IB over and over again... i used them for few months. their software is dinosaurus dunk and their support is the direct pavement to psyhiatric ward. The data feed is the worse I ever seen.

the only people who trade different kind of markets and change moods quite often - have to be happy with IB. say today etfs tomorrow stocks next week options next week mongolian currency.

Amongst 5 brokers I had account with IB was the worst for futures. And far from cheap.

Call smaller brokers and get rate below $4.

My today's choice (cost/quality/support) - Infinity. No data fees, no platform fees, rates below $4, STATIC DOM (feature not found anywhere for that kind of money), the quickest cheap data feed and execution.