Could you guys give some advice please...

I have been looking at quite a few stocks like Google, Baidu, V, LDK,
HYBR and TLVA to make some investment of bout 4k USD

One question I have is, say if a broker firm puts the shutters down on
its shop and run away with the money then how can a small invester
catch them? I know
SIPC will take care "IF" a broker company goes bankrupt. However, if
its not
a case of bankruptcy but rather the case is, say, broker firm runs
away with peoples
money, then how to get back the money invested in stocks thru the
online portal of the broker firm?

I am from UK and I was planning to open an account with zecco as they
have the best rates on the net which I have realised after looking
into all well known websites such as etrade, ameritrade, sharebuilder
and schwab. Out of all of these zecco looks best when it comes to
commissions and fee they charge. However, I am not sure how reliable
they are and if they do a runner tomorrow how do I get my money back
is my main concern.

Any advice from you guys on zecco and my concern about safety/security
of money will be really helpful

Cheers!

Check scottrade, you did not mention that and that is probably the
best deal commision wise. $7 trades, no maintenance fees or anything,
and there is no price to close the account. I do not know much about
zecco though and as long as their legit, they will not take your
money. Also, stay away from V

zecco is better, they give you 10 free trades a month if u fund your
account more than $2500, there is no maintenance or inactivity fee,

i am using it for last several months and have got dozens of free
trades ... execution time and efficiency is no different from other so
called premium/ well known brokers (i do have tdameritrade as well --
and i see absolutely no difference in performance, ya there are some
additional frills that you get with ameritrade, but nothing that you
can't live without)

here is the best part, if you open with my referal link below, I get
$50 reward ;)  and you get a trading book...

http://friends.zecco.com/r/205f063e5ee4102b8555

ps: you can open account without referal also...

good luck

sorry i have no idea what happens if zecco or tdameritrade or anyone
else for that matter runs with your money, never thought abt it, all i
hope is.. they wont :)

Stay away from V?  Are u serious?  Have you seen visa's gains since
the IPO?  You have got to be on some serious drugs man.  Visa is the
WORLD leader in all credit and debit trasactions.  Do you really think
they are going somewhere?  For that, i think imma switch to scottrade
with you so I can get some of that cough medicine they have been
slipping you.

Now...  On a side note, I use sharebuilder and I like it.  I have
considering switching, but im going to wait.  If you are doing auto
investing i think sharebuilder is the cheapest.

That is my entire point. I think visa is a good company and like it as
a company. However, I do not like it as a stock. It is way too hot. So
why don't you understand my point before coming on so strong

I suposse you are right.  I appologize.  However, You cant argue that
V is a good investment.  It surely isnt going under anytime soon.  Its
virtually a guranteed money maker.  Make no mistake, it will swing.
But i believe if u are not a day trader u will make money on this one.

Scottrade is excellent, with superb customer service. The company is
well run.

As for your concern if someone, "runs away with people's money" - if
you don't have faith in the system, it will be more stress than I
suspect you'll find comfortable enough to ride the peaks and valleys.
It's difficult enough even when you have faith in markets.