Optionsxpress is a full service discount broker which specializes in options trading, but also offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, futures and currency trading. They offer all types of IRAs including Roth IRA and Tradtional IRA .This gives you incredible flexibility with cost effective pricing given what is offered. On the whole Optionsxpress has a well featured trading platform, but can be cluttered and stuffed with extra information and tools. Despite this navigating through the site is fairly straight forward. Keep in mind however that the average IRA account holder probably will not need most of the choices presented here and options and futures trading can be very risky.

Investment features:

Research — Provides all the basic information pertaining to a stock or ETFs such as price, charts, news links and other key details of fundamental analysis. Also included in the research tools are SEC filing dates and links, insider transactions/ownerships status and analyst coverage (no links to analyst reports are given).

Tools — Optionsxpress offers 29 different tools for your trading pursuits. These tools can be organized by experience level or by product (stocks, options, ect.). They range from simple stock screeners and calendars which help you manage earnings reports, IPOs, and options expiration to StrategyScan which helps you find the right strategy for you. Some other notable tools include:

Watch list — Create a list of stocks and ETFs to keep track of without actually owning them.

Virtual Trading — This is a fantastic way to learn about trading without risking any money! The virtual account let you trade $25,000 in fake money as if you really owned the account. You can practice your trading ideas and philosophies before ever risking a dime of your own.

Trade Calculator — Helps you to understand the risk and reward of the trades you are considering.

Streaming Charts (advanced) — This tool aids in the technical breakdown of charts using 100 different methods which can be saved for later use.

Education:

Optionsxpress provides webinars, workshops and on demand videos which help new and intermediate investors learn and advance their trading goals.

Topics of Webinars include helping newcomers use Optionsxpress’ trading platform, options, stocks, futures, trading ideas for IRAs and more. There are several webinars per week with the specific topics changing week to week.

For those who are really serious about trading Optionsxpress holds workshops all over the country which help to train and educate the participants. For example in May 2014 Optionsxpress will hold two workshops one in New York and one in Philadelphia led by former Market Maker Jim Rouzan. The purpose of the workshop is to demonstrate the Optionsxpress platform and a walk though of a trade plan and the logic behind various strategies.

In addition to webinars and workshops you also have over 50 demand videos which explain the site, how to use the tools provided and make smart investment decisions.

Commission/Pricing

Stocks — $8.95 flat rate