Frequently Asked Questions: Stocks
What are the commissions for stock trading?
Online trading of stocks at Vision costs $6.00 plus $0.01 per share for both market and limit orders with no minimum share amount required. There is no special pricing for Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board and Pink Sheet stocks. Placing a telephone order with one of Vision's Registered Representatives entails a $24 surcharge.
Can I purchase ETFs through Vision?
Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs") are listed on major stock exchanges and trade just like equities. Therefore, you can easily trade ETFs via Vision's Web site and our discounted pricing schedule for stocks applies to these popular products.
Why didn't I receive dividends paid out by a stock I own?
If you purchased the stock on or after the ex-dividend date (the first day the stock trades without the dividend), then you will not receive that dividend payment. If you owned a stock prior to the ex-dividend date and did not receive the dividend, please contact Vision's Customer Service team at 1.877.836.3949.
What is the difference between preferred and common stock?
Preferred stock usually pays fixed dividends regardless of company performance and the owners of preferred stock receive their dividends before common stock dividends are paid out. Preferred stock owners also have claims to the assets of the company in the event of bankruptcy prior to common share holders. However, preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. Both common and preferred stocks trade similarly and are priced under the stock pricing schedule ($6.00 plus $0.01 per share) available from Vision.
What happens to my shares if the underlying company merges with another firm?
The answer depends on the specifics of the merger and will be detailed in documentation put out by the company and made available to you. If you own shares of a company that is being merged into another corporation you may receive shares of the acquiring company. This exchange for your shares would occur at a pre-determined ratio. Alternatively, you may (or may not) be given the option to sell your shares at a pre-determined price.
The company announced good earnings today, why am I not getting dividends?
Companies do not always choose to pay dividends. Earnings could be reinvested in the company to drive growth and progress or may be needed to pay down debt of the company.
Vision Products
Whether you're new to investing online or an experienced active trader, Vision offers easy-to-use stock trading tools at affordable prices.
For both conservative and aggressive investors, options can assist you to reach your investment goals.
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