Rating Methodologies For Broker

IncomeBuddies rates brokers based on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 stars, with 5.0 stars being the best possible score. The rating are an increment of 0.1 star – for example, 4.5, 4.6 and so on till 5.0 star. We will go into detail about how we rate brokers and the key factors we consider for investors in our assessment below.

How our rating on broker works?

Our rating is used to calculate an overall rating for the broker from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. The rating is based on a couple of factors that matters most to an average investor and directly impact how an investor will choose a brokerage and use the trading platform. The factors we consider here are:

• Ease-of-Use and Accessibility
• Range of Products Offered
• Range of Markets Accessible
• Range of Features for Analysis
• Low Fees and Transparent Fee Structure

Breakdown of overall rating

We will apply the standard adjustment according to the rating weightage to ensure that the overall rating is standardized, objective and reliable.

Ease-of-Use

We assess the user interface, watchlist functionality, order types, and the ease of accessing the trading platform or app. Factors such as deposit and withdrawal processes are also considered to ensure a seamless user experience.

Range of Products

Our rating takes into account the variety of products offered for trading, including stocks, options, futures, ETFs, REITs, mutual funds, cash funds through cash management accounts, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Platforms offering a diverse range of products receive higher ratings.

Range of Markets

We evaluate the accessibility of different markets for trading, including local markets such as Singapore, as well as international markets like the United States, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and London. Brokerages providing access to a wide range of markets earn higher scores.

Range of Features

The availability of analytical tools, charting features, valuation insights, and analyst reports is crucial for investors. We assess the depth and quality of these features, along with any community engagement tools, to determine the overall value provided by the platform.

Low Fees

We consider the fee structure of each brokerage, prioritizing platforms that offer low-cost trading with transparent fees, minimal account minimums, and easy accessibility for new investors. Factors such as commission rates, account maintenance fees, and other charges are carefully evaluated.

Data collection and review process

We perform assessment according to our inhouse check list where we access each of the broker while we test out various features. In the event where creating an account is not possible, we perform in-depth review through real user feedbacks from our readers and other users of the broker, in-additional to in-depth analysis of the brokerage platform.

Depending on the different articles written for different individuals with a different objective such as, beginner investors, day traders, dividend investors and so on, the rating will differ according to purpose. Because of this, the broker’s overall star rating does not always determine inclusion in lists or IncomeBuddies’s top picks.

Updates And Refresh of Content

Our writers and editors at IB will conduct review on each of the broker on a periodical basis (generally annually). Throughout the year, we will keep in touch with the providers and update when any changes occur.

You can feel free to drop us a message at Contact us, if you find any of the information is not up-to-date.

The founder and the chief editor of IncomeBuddies.com have over +15 years of investing experience and is a long time investor since 2008. Each of our writers believe in providing our readers with comprehensive and transparent ratings of stock brokerage platforms to help them make informed investment decisions while adhering strictly to our editorial guidelines.

Ethics & Transparency

At IncomeBuddies.com, we pride ourselves to genuine journalism that is unbiased, accurate, and informative. By weighting these factors accordingly, we ensure that our ratings reflect the diverse needs and preferences of investors, from beginner to experienced investors and trader.

Our commitment to providing unbiased and insightful ratings remains steadfast, empowering our readers to navigate the world of stock trading with confidence.

If you have any question regarding our editorial guidelines and wish to contact us directly, please email us at editor@incomebuddies.com.