Fidelity announced a new and improved online trading platform today, significantly expanding its international and foreign currency investment capabilities for financial advisors, broker-dealers and retail investors. With U.S. long-term growth forecasts looking slim compared to other developed markets and some emerging economies, the timing of the release is certainly no coincidence.
“When you consider that over the past 10 years, 80 percent of the world’s best-performing stocks were listed outside the United States, it is understandable why investors are increasing their focus on international investing,” said James Burton, president of Fidelity’s retail brokerage unit, in a press release.
Financial advisors and broker-dealers looking for more options can get direct online execution, settlement and custody of stocks in 25 foreign markets and 16 currencies via this platform Retail investors also have more choices with Fidelity’s new International Trading platform which includes 12 foreign markets and eight currencies. Fidelity already offers 1,200 mutual funds and 250 ETFs that focus on international markets.