Questrade launches one-cent stock trades

Low-cost leader in Canada's brokerage industry focuses on helping investors keep fees down

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Questrade, Canada's fastest-growing online brokerage, continues to drive down the price of self-directed trading with the introduction of one-cent stock trades. Trading commissions for a penny are available with Advantage, Questrade's active trader program for everyone.

"High fees are the primary reason average investment returns are so lacklustre," says Edward Kholodenko, President and CEO. "Reducing fees unleashes the power of compound growth. It's a simple equation: the more you have to invest, the more your investments can grow, and the faster you can reach your investment goals."

Questrade has led the movement toward pushing the cost of investing down ever since it was founded in 1999, says continues Kholodenko. . "We are very proud to be the Canadian leaders in providing exceptional trading experiences at industry-leading price points," Khodolenko adds. "Our competitors may introduce the occasional fee cut, but our approach is sweeping: we won't allow any costs to go unexamined or unchallenged."

Questrade was the first Canadian online brokerage to reduce trading fees to under $10 back in 2006, at a time when most brokerages charged $30 or more. In 2008, the company introduced the $4.95 stock trade. And now, as of January 2014, Questrade clients who subscribe to the Advantage program can trade stocks for as little as one cent.

Other low-cost initiatives from Questrade include commission-free ETF purchases, Mutual Fund Maximizer (a service that rebates mutual fund trailer fees), free DRIPs (dividend re-investment programs), no annual RSP or RESP fees, and free access to all trading on its platforms, ranging from a mobile app to the high-end IQ Edge.

One-cent stock trades are part of the pricing program included in the Questrade Advantage. Stock trades are one cent per share, minimum 1 ¢ / maximum $6.95 OR $4.95 flat. The program is available to any client who subscribes to an advanced market data package. The subscription is rebated to clients up to the full cost, depending on trading activity. For clients who don't subscribe to Advantage, trading commissions are available for one cent per share, minimum $4.95 / maximum $9.95 per trade.

The introduction of one-cent trades is part of Questrade's commitment to helping more Canadians make the switch to self-directed investing. Often, that switch simply requires a change in attitude. And it is worth it. "Low fees mean the money stays with you, in your account, where it can build for your benefit - not someone else's," stresses Kholodenko. "My tip? Start with a free practice account to see how easy it is. Then just start investing for yourself."

Questrade Inc. is a member firm of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

About Questrade:

Questrade Inc., headquartered in Toronto, provides Canadians with high-speed, direct access trading in the U.S. and Canadian stock and options markets through its IQ trading platforms, as well as forex and CFD trading. Since 1999, the company has led the industry in delivering outstanding service, exclusive products and services, and competitive pricing. This commitment to innovation has appealed to independent investors, and for the past two years, the company has ranked as Canada's fastest growing online brokerage. In 2011 and 2012, Questrade also earned the designation as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies.

SOURCE: Questrade Inc.

Lynn Suderman
Director, Communications
Tel: [phone]