Best broker/platform for trading the DOW cash index

[FTSEBOY]

Hi all,
My wife is looking to trade the DOW cash index via a spreadbetting company. I have a couple of questions I hope someone could help me with:-

1) Who currently offers the tightest spreads?
2) Who has the most stable platform?
3) Who's system is prone to 'freezing' just before any major news?

Many thanks in advance.
FTSEBOY

 

[rog1111]

FTSEBOY

My advice is as follows. If $5 per point is within your risk tolerance, trade the mini Dow futures (YM) via eCBOT and a good platform such as IB's TWS. The spread is usually only 1 pip, sometimes 2. The platform is excellent, maybe not terribly intuitive, but stable, with good functionality. Since these are futures, they are regulated, and you are not dealing with some back yard operation. Commissions are $2.06 per side and you'll have to put up a initial day margin of $1250 to trade 1 contract, $2500 overnight (US times). Much has been said about various spreadbetting companies on this forum so I won't repeat it here, only to stress that you'll get a better deal through the above route

GL

rog1111

 

[FTSEBOY]

Thanks very much for that advice.
FTSEBOY

 

[donaldduke]

The advice to use minis is good if she plans to day trade.
If your wife wants to swing, then an SB will be just as good or even better.