Econ: Technology and deflation

From: Gregory Sullivan (sullivan@blaze.cs.jhu.edu)
Date: Sun Nov 30 1997 - 19:33:39 MST


List readers are familiar with the deflation in computer and data network
prices. These price reductions have been moving through the economy with,
in some cases, vertiginous results. A powerful example of the
"destructive and creative" forces of the market is found in the changing
cost of performing stock trades. Why pay $672.59 to perform a stock trade
when you can pay $7.95? See the table below.

BusinessWeek article (Dec 8 97) available on the web for a limited time.
ONLINE TRADING: DO I HEAR TWO BITS A TRADE?
A price war is slashing commission rates
http://www.businessweek.com/1997/49/b3556135.htm

FULL SERVICE:

           AVERAGE COMMISSION $116.90 $672.59

           DISCOUNT BROKERAGE:

           AVERAGE COMMISSION 66.09 145.05

           ONLINE RETAIL BROKERAGE**:

           DLJDIRECT 20.00 60.00
           E*TRADE 14.95*** 74.95***
           FIDELITY BROKERAGE 14.95 14.95
           DATEK SECURITIES 9.99 9.99
           AMERITRADE 8.00 8.00
           SURETRADE 7.95 7.95

           **INTERNET TRADES
           ***ACTIVE TRADERS

           DATA: CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORP., COMPANIES



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