Online brokerage Questrade Inc. is launching direct access trading on all equity and options markets across Canada.

The new Web and PC-based trading platforms enable Questrade clients to trade equities and options listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange and Montreal Exchange as well as offering direct access trading to all U.S. equities and options markets.

In addition to expanding market access across North America, Questrade has also reduced fees and commissions so equity trades are now only $9.95 and options trades are $9.95 plus $1.50 per contract, regardless of their monthly trading volume or account balance.

“Active traders want total execution control, direct access to every market and clear-cut fees so they can concentrate on maximizing profits and minimizing risks,” said Edward Kholodenko, president and CEO, Questrade, Inc., in a news release.

Questrade says the new pricing offers simple, understandable trade fees and commissions. “We wanted a simple fee structure so traders would immediately see the financial benefits of trading with Questrade,” added Kholodenko. “With our low fees and comprehensive service offerings, we estimate our double digit month-over-month growth rate will continue to increase well into 2004.”

With the ability to execute trades on all North American equities and options exchanges, Questrade clients can now trade on Canadian markets within a RRSP, RIF, LRIF or LIF.

Traders who choose Questrade have the flexibility to choose their preferred direct access trading platform, whether it be the Web-based, WebTrader platform or the PC-based AxisPro platform.

WebTrader offers anywhere, anytime trading trading Its key features include real time streaming quotes, positions management, interactive charting and options chains as well as single order entry screens and instant order confirmation.

The PC-based AxisPro trading platform offers point-and-click control over the entire trading process.