I am also looking for an on-line trader as well. I sent an e-mail question to E-Trade a few months ago pertaining to how they would go about making a market for foreign stock (a London example) so I would get the best price. Also asked, what are their polices on foreign currecy exchange rates and fees?

Three weeks later I recieved an automated reply that an error in the e-mail system may have resulted in my e-mail not being read. Could I send my question or comment again.

WOW! I am supposed to trust them to handle complex transactions? I then called ET and the CSR I spoke to told me they did not trade foreign stock. I browsed around on their web site and found a one liner on the subject. I called again and this CSR told me they could complete the London transaction, but did not understand about a market maker.

One month later I recieved a second e-mail from E-Trade. They had lost my DL FF number and needed it if I wanted to earn miles. I had never opened an account with them, wonder what they wanted to give me.

Are there are laws that prevent ET from giving you FF miles if you are outside of the US? I am not sure but would not be surprised. They may be covered by some securities rules and I know there are a lot of international rules that are easy to interpert as a road block. Also, ET may not want to take any legal risk in extending their programs outside the US and having your country have a laws against it or greater protection of your rights.

The market may or may not drive ET to become global. Might also have to do with licensing invloved to go global and need for expansion cash.

If you find a good international broker on line, please send me the link.

Cheers
Jonathan - without spell check now for a week.

[This message has been edited by JRF (edited 06-30-2000).]