Need online trading platform recommendations

Hello fellow Traderjis,

Thus far I have made a few investments here and there, but have restricted myself to risk-free instruments. Now, I am contemplating investing in an index fund, and managing it by means of an online trading platform. I do not intend to be a day trader, but expect to trade slightly more frequently than a typical 'buy and hold' trader. I am looking for a platform that

1) is reliable (i.e. has little or no downtime),
2) makes all important information regarding my account easily accessible and has it presented in an intuitive format, and
3) is relatively inexpensive in terms of the total trading cost.

In addition to the above, if the platform constantly provides any news updates that could impact the SENSEX, it'd be a plus. Based on these criteria, could you'll make me a few recommendations? If you're not sure of the current trading costs associated with the different platforms, that's fine; I'll call the companies and check.

Thanks!

Varun

Hello fellow Traderjis,

Thus far I have made a few investments here and there, but have restricted myself to risk-free instruments. Now, I am contemplating investing in an index fund, and managing it by means of an online trading platform. I do not intend to be a day trader, but expect to trade slightly more frequently than a typical 'buy and hold' trader. I am looking for a platform that

1) is reliable (i.e. has little or no downtime),
2) makes all important information regarding my account easily accessible and has it presented in an intuitive format, and
3) is relatively inexpensive in terms of the total trading cost.

In addition to the above, if the platform constantly provides any news updates that could impact the SENSEX, it'd be a plus. Based on these criteria, could you'll make me a few recommendations? If you're not sure of the current trading costs associated with the different platforms, that's fine; I'll call the companies and check.

Thanks!

Varun

From what you've posted, it doesn't seem you need an on-line platform in the conventional sense. That you don't need to open an account with a brokerage house.

You could simply invest in any mutual fund that allows you to buy and sell over the internet.

HDFC, PruICICI, Birla Sun Life ... all have facility for on-line buying and selling of their respective mutual fund units.

In addition to conventional buying and selling, I would also like to be able to short sell. Would I be able to do this without a broker?

Thanks!

No!

I'm really confused by your aims. From risk-free instruments you want to move to short-selling. Please study the subject first and don't be influenced by friends' claims of how much money they made by doing this, that, and the other.