View Winter 2008 Results

Surviscor reviews all Canadian discount brokerage firms including bank-owned and independent firms. Traditional day trading firms are included providing they meet the minimum requirements for inclusion. The minimum requirements are:

1. Transactional capabilities in Canadian and US markets
2. Physical location in Canada with minimum registration requirement of 5 provinces
3. Ability to establish a registered account
4. Minimum account opening balance requirement no greater than $10,000 CDN

The Online Discount Brokerage Review is broken down into two main profiles, each with its own analysis and results. The two profiles are:

1. Investor
2. Trader

The Overall ranking is determined using a percentage of both of the profile results.

Surviscor defines an Investor as a self-directed individual who typically:

• Has the ability to understand the value of investing
• Requires a well-diversified portfolio and a structured financial plan
• Is self-reliant and prefers to self-direct his/her portfolio
• May retain an advisor for part of his/her investments
• Requires various tools and resources to make investment decisions

The Investor is typically in an accumulation stage of life in which the following lifecycle traits exist:

• Financial stability
• Steady income
• Mortgage
• Saving for retirement

Surviscor has defined an Investor as one who trades on average 0 to 29 trades per month.

Surviscor defines a Trader as a self-directed individual who typically:

• Has a sophisticated and almost professional understanding of the investment world and its operations
• Requires immediate real-time information regarding the markets and his/her account information
• Is self-reliant and treats his/her account activity as a job and a passion
• Has little to no reliance on an advisor for the majority of the investment decisions
• Demands sophisticated and real-time tools and resources to make investment decisions

The lifecycle of a Trader is more difficult to define. It appears that Traders come from all walks of life and financial stability points; however, they all understand the value of determining market risk and reward. A Trader typically has a larger amount of disposal income available for short-term investing, and is constantly looking for market opportunities.

Surviscor has defined a Trader as an individual who trades on average more than 30 trades per month.

The Online Discount Brokerage Review is divided into the following categories:

1. Getting Started – Public Site Review
2. Design and Help Features
3. Customer Interaction
4. Market Intelligence
5. Trading
6. Tools and Education
7. Commission and Fees

• Summer 2008 review – September 2008