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For the fourth year running, Qtrade finished first in the Globe and Mail’s ranking of online discount brokers. Credential Direct, BMO InvestorLine, Scotia iTrade and RBC Direct Investing round out the top five. TD Waterhouse missed a spot in the top five in a photo finish.

I’ve held accounts at TD Waterhouse, RBC Direct Investing, Scotia iTrade and Questrade and would rank them in that order. I wouldn’t read too much into a broker’s rank and would instead pick one that offers the features I’m looking for (or at least a nice fat bonus).

Some interesting tidbits from the Globe and Mail column:

• Qtrade is now offering US dollar RRSP accounts. Either Qtrade has been keeping it quiet or I missed any media coverage on this.
• Discount brokers are doing roaring business. Rob Carrick, who assembled the rankings, notes that account openings, excluding TFSAs are up in the range of 19 to 26 percent.
• Scotia Direct is going to be merged with Scotia iTrade (formerly E*Trade Canada), which is not surprising because CIBC and Scotia are still in the bottom of the heap among discount brokers.
• RBC Direct is the only broker offering lower-fee mutual funds. It is outrageous that discount brokers keep collecting trailers fees, which are supposed to compensate financial advice.

Related Reading:

• Globe and Mail’s Discount Broker Rankings
• Surviscor Discount Broker Rankings – Summer 2009
• Best Canadian Online Brokerages
• Scotia iTrade Review
• Adieu to RBC Direct Investing

2009 Globe and Mail Discount Broker Rankings is brought to you by Canadian Capitalist — Helping you to invest & prosper.

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