When it comes to day trading, a broker can be a make or break factor. Successful traders need access to a wide range of tools, research and assets, speed, high quality execution and low costs. Popular one-size-fits-all online brokers don’t typically provide these day trading-oriented features and can be a poor fit for this unique niche of the market.

A good day trading day trading broker will enable a nimble trader to capitalize on opportunities and profit from rapid market movements. They offer a wide range of tradable assets, robust backtesting, flexible order types and advanced charting and technical analysis capabilities. They also provide robust options for automated trading, enabling traders to execute trades based on real-time price changes.

Broker Breakdown: Finding the Best Broker for Day Trading”

Traders should look for a day trading broker with a clear and concise fee structure. A sliding per-share commission structure provides the opportunity for seasoned traders to procure cheaper commissions based on their volume. They’ll want to make sure the broker has a large shortable inventory and is capable of quickly requesting and filling hard-to-borrow (HTB) stocks via their platform.

Leverage is another important feature for day traders, but only if it’s used responsibly. Disciplined traders use it to take advantage of temporary, high probability situations with the intent of minimizing exposure risk and zeroing out positions sooner rather than later. A good day trading broker will also support this discipline through features like limit orders and position sizing. Finally, day traders should choose a broker that provides an easy-to-use platform, reliable order execution and reliable customer service.