- Wells Fargo on Tuesday became the latest firm to eliminate online trading commissions for stocks and exchange-traded funds on its self-directed platform. Bank of America did the same on Monday.
- Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, E-Trade, and Fidelity all moved to eliminate fees for US-listed trades in late September and early October, in turn wiping out huge chunks of some of the companies’ market caps.
- Those moves speculated about consolidation across the industry; Schwab said in late November that it would purchase TD Ameritrade for $26 billion.
- Business Insider regularly takes our readers inside the major online brokerages. You can read our latest by subscribing to BI Prime.
The business of investing and trading online is undergoing an industry-wide shift, with all of the major brokerages sending their commissions to zero as competition mounts.
Wells Fargo on Tuesday became the latest firm to eliminate online trading commissions for stocks and exchange-traded funds on its self-directed platform. Bank of America did the same on Monday in its Merrill Edge platform after initially going to zero for some of its clients in October.
Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, E-Trade, and Fidelity all moved to eliminate fees for US-listed trades in late September and early October, in turn wiping out huge chunks of some of the companies’ market caps.
Those moves speculated about consolidation across the industry; Schwab said in late November that it would purchase TD Ameritrade for $26 billion.
Meanwhile, at least one startup is actually looking to pay for trades.
Several drivers are morphing these firms and influencing the choice to dump fees. Legacy brokers and big banks alike are rushing to compete with digital entrants for younger users.
Business Insider is reporting and analyzing these developments at a crucial moment for the industry. We broke down the drama unfolding in the online trading, wealth management, and discount brokerage arena.
Broker wars escalate
November 25 — It’s official: Charles Schwab strikes $26 billion deal to buy TD Ameritrade
October 21 — Bank of America is jumping into the brokerage price wars by axing commissions for most online trading clients
October 10 — Fidelity cuts online trading fees to zero, becoming the latest brokerage to make the move
September 30 — The former CEO of a high-speed-trading firm is taking aim at Robinhood with a fintech startup that wants to pay you to trade
September 26 — Interactive Brokers announces commission-free trades on online US stock, ETF trades
September 24 — JPMorgan is taking aim at apps like Robinhood by quietly rolling out options trading to select You Invest customers
More brokerage and robo news
September 18 — Charles Schwab is losing a prominent markets analyst as the discount broker gears up to cut 600 jobs
September 18 — 2 senior executives are now out at Charles Schwab as the discount broker prepares to cut 600 jobs
September 13 — Jack Dorsey’s Square is reportedly testing a free stock-trading service that would rival Robinhood