September 26, 2021
1. Do you have one or more online trading or investment accounts?
Yes, I have one or more accounts that I access both online using a computer and using a mobile app.
2. If your response to Question 1 is Yes, do you think you would trade or invest if you could not do so online using a computer or using a mobile app?
Yes
3. On average, how often do you access your online account?
Once to a few times a week
4. On average, how often are trades made in your online account, whether by you or someone else?
Once to a few times a week.
5. If you access your account online, did you have the account first, and only began to access it electronically later? Or did you open the account with the idea that you would access it electronically immediately?
I downloaded an app or visited a website first, and then opened up an account with the company
6. My goals for trading or investing in my online account are (check all that apply):
Save and grow my money for medium- to long-term goals
7. What would you like us to know about your experience with the features of your online trading or investment platform? (Examples of features are: social networking tools games, streaks, or contests with prizes points, badges, and leaderboards notifications celebrations for trading visual cues, like changing colors ideas presented at order placement or other curated lists or features subscription and membership tiers or chatbots.)
While phone app brokers often get criticized as game-like they have done a good job simplifying the investing process. Not taking away the seriousness, just helping average Americans understand the complexities of a market not really designed for us. The most negative interaction I had was when several brokerages suspended the purchasing of multiple securities in January, but not the selling. If that happens again there is a very good chance I will pull my money out of the US stock market.
8. If you were trading or investing prior to using an online account, how have your investing and trading behaviors changed since you started using your online account? (For example, the amount of money you have invested, your interest in learning about investing and saving for retirement, the amount of time you have spent trading, your knowledge of financial products, the number of trades you have made, the amount of money you have made in trading, your knowledge of the markets, the number of different types of financial products you have traded, or your use of margin.)
I used to paper trade just stocks for a class with a very buy and hold long term strategy. Gaining online access allowed me to step into the realm of ETFs, options, and other advanced investing opportunities I didnt have prior exposure to.
9. How much experience do you have trading or investing in the following products (None, 12 months, 1-2 years, 2-5 years, 5+ years):
Stocks : 2-5 Years
Bonds : None
Options : 1-2 Years
Mutual Funds : Less Than 12 Months
ETFs : 1-2 Years
Futures : None
Cryptocurrencies : 1-2 Years
Commodities : None
ClosedEnd Funds : None
Money Market Funds : None
Variable Insurance Products : None
Business Development Companies : None
Unit Investment Trusts : None
10. What is your understanding, if any, of the circumstances under which trading or investing in your account can be suspended or restricted?
Violations of good faith if you use too much margin or if you show evidence of being a pattern day trader. I wouldnt consider the price action of certain stocks a viable ground to suspend my purchasing power.
11. What else would you like us to know positive or negative - about your experience with online trading and investing?
I invest in domestic markets because I want to see companies grow and show my support in ways other than just purchasing their products. Natural price discovery in my opinion is the BEST way to let the American public vote on the successes or failures of a company.