Frequently Asked Questions Technical   What browser should I use to access this site? You must use a secure-capable browser. It is always recommended to use the latest available browser. Netscape Navigator 3.01 (or later versions), and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01 (or later versions) are considered secure-capable browsers. However, Internet Explorer 4.x versions for Mac, as well as Explorer 3.01 (for all platforms) are known to experience some problems with SSL certificates. All browsers with versions 3.0 or less should be avoided. My Internet Service Provider (ISP) is America Online. Can I use AOL's browser for online trading? Yes, but if you want to be able to take advantage of the advanced features, you must use AOL 3.0 (or later) version (use AOL keyword: UPGRADE). How do I configure my browser to work properly with my computer? Please call your Internet service provider (e.g., Earthlink, MSN, AOL). My browser gives me an error message when I try to open the web trading site. Why? You are probably not using a secure-capable browser. When accessing the trading site from my computer at work through a network I get an error message. What can I do? Contact the computer system administrator regarding using your specific browser over the network. I am concerned about placing trades over the Internet. How safe is it? The Internet is safe if you use a secure capable browser. The Internet seems slow today. What is wrong? There are many factors that could affect the speed of networks. Besides your modem's Baud rate, an ISP equipment problem, a sudden increase in the number of users through the antiquated analog phone lines used by most Web surfers, a temporary router failure in the network, your computer's RAM memory, they all could have an impact on your browsing speed. How can I speed things up? Broadband solutions are widely used today. You may want a cable modem connection, fixed-wireless, satellite connection, DSL or ISDN Internet access, if available in your area. If you have a regular computer modem connected to a phone line, the faster the Baud rate, the better. The more RAM memory on your computer, the better. Also consider connecting at late hours, when fewer users are accessing the Internet. Account   How much are your commissions? See pricing under About Us. How much do I need to open an account? Call us to get the latest information. Can I use the Internet to access my IRA, Corporate Account, Investment Club Account, etc.? Yes. Can I have my stock certificates sent to me? Yes. I am not a US citizen. Can I open an account? Absolutely. We require a few special forms though. Once I send in my application, when can I start trading? Once the account is funded, there will be a five business day hold on checks before you can trade (cashier's checks and wire transfers do not have a holding period). How long does it take to transfer in securities from another firm? It usually takes 10-15 business days. Trading   Can I place my trades verbally? Yes. Will I be charged extra if I place my trade with a broker? If there is a problem with the Internet, you will still only be charged the regular commission rates. What can I trade via the Internet? NASDAQ Small-Cap NASDAQ Listed Securities Options Index Options Mutual Funds Do I have to trade in round lots (100 share increments)? If you are selling short, the trade must be in 100 share increments (e.g., 300 shares). For any other order you are not restricted. Can I place "stop" or "stop limit" orders? You can only place these orders on listed stocks (e.g., IBM). You cannot place them with OTC stocks (e.g., INTC). I have an order to sell an OTC stock at 63 ½. I noticed that today’s high was 63 ½, so why didn’t it execute? When you are selling an OTC stock (e.g., MSFT), you typically sell it at the "bid," which is the lower priced quote. For example, if you get a quote on MSFT at 98 ½ Bid and 98 5/8 Ask, you could expect to sell at 98 ½, NOT 98 5/8. I get "Invalid Price" when I enter 65.75. Why? Orders must be placed in fractional format (e.g., 65 ¾). Can I place options trades via the Internet? Yes, if your account is approved for options trading. Can I sell uncovered options (writing naked options)? Yes, please call the trading desk. Can I send trades or cancels via email? No, not under any circumstance. I sent in a "cancel" order, but the trade executed anyway. What's going on? When you submit a "cancel" order, it is a request to cancel an open order. Sometimes, the request is too late and the open order executes. Your broker is not responsible for cancellation requests sent too late. What is an option? An option is an investment tool that gives you the right to buy or sell a security at an agreed upon price for a limited period of time. What are "calls" and "puts?" CALL - gives its buyer the right to buy 100 shares of the underlying security at a fixed price before a specified date in the future. PUT - gives its buyer the right to sell 100 shares of the underlying security at a fixed price before a specified date in the future. I’m trying to trade options, but it gives me the error message "You are not approved for options." How do I get approved? Call a customer service representative. Request that they send you an options application. I know the underlying symbol of an equity, but how do I find the corresponding option symbol? You can easily find the option symbol by using the "Symbol Wizard." What are the rules for option entry? You cannot use more than one qualifier. For example, you can have the order GTC or AON, but not both. Also, if the option is over $3.00, you cannot use 1/16ths. You must use 1/8ths. Please note: you can never use 1/32nds. Examples: "Buy 1 IBMXX GTC @ 4 1/8" is a valid order. However, "Buy 1 IBMXX GTC AON @ 4 1/8" is NOT a valid order (reason: GTC or AON needed). "Buy 1 IBMXX GTC @ 4 1/16" is NOT a valid order (reason: option is over $3 with a limit using 1/16ths.) How do I exercise an option? Please call us to place this trade with a broker. Can I trade LEAPS over the internet? Yes you can. Member FINRA/SIPC