RAKUTEN TRADE OFFERS NEW AMALGAMATED BROKERAGE FEES FOR US STOCK TRADES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd has rolled out its first-in-market service, offering the amalgamated brokerage fees for the United States (US) stock trades. 

In a statement today, it said that with the new service, investors could optimise trading cost efficiencies by combining multiple trades for the same stock on the same day into a single fee.

“With brokerage fees starting at RM1 (US$0.20) and capped at RM100 (US$25), this strategic approach minimises transaction costs, allowing investors the opportunity to get more out of trading US equities.

“This also means that investors who engage in high-value day trades will have their trades consolidated and benefit from the stamp duty fee cap,” it said. 

Rakuten Trade chief executive officer Kazumasa Mise said that with a similar experience already offered for Bursa Malaysia trades, retail investors will find it easy to transition and trade US securities with the same efficiencies.

He said that the US retail investors who trade frequently are often charged brokerage fees and, in some cases, platform fees multiple times a day.

“High brokerage along with hidden costs like platform and settlement fees act as deterrents for retail traders.

“By combining the fees into a single, transparent structure, Rakuten Trade offers greater clarity and a more straightforward experience when trading US equities,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade head of equity sales Vincent Lau noted that more local investors are trading and making regular investments in the US markets.

“With great performance and returns, it is no surprise that the US markets are a favourite among retail investors.

“Despite global uncertainty and economic headwinds, the artificial intelligence-induced market rally and strong corporate earnings have presented ample opportunities for investors despite high valuations”, he said. 

Lau said Rakuten Trade remains positive in the overall outlook of the US markets, such as the “Magnificent 7” and Bitcoin-related stocks.

“The recent weakness, with the Nasdaq falling almost 10 per cent from all-time highs, has created a buying opportunity for retail investors.

“Alternatively, investors can adopt a dollar-cost averaging strategy by regularly investing via Raku-Invest to minimise risk when the stock market prices fluctuate,” he added. 

-- BERNAMA