Top 5 winners for research
Best broker for research - Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab secures the top spot for investor research with its exceptional combination of depth, usability, and integration. During my testing, I found Schwab’s in-house macro research invaluable. The daily market update provides clear insights on market movers and what to focus on, while the end-of-day podcast offers a perfect mix of commentary, education, and actionable insights. The research even includes a “how to use this” methodology section, which directly connects research to decision-making.
Schwab’s fixed-income research was just as impressive. Before analyzing a bond, I was presented with detailed insights from Schwab’s experts on current market trends, from the timing of yield curve peaks to the Yen’s impact on rates. For corporate bonds, CDs, munis, and Treasurys, Schwab provided ratings, watchlist alerts, and contextual education, making the experience comprehensive and actionable. Add to this Schwab’s robust stock research, third-party insights, and intuitive screeners, and it’s clear why Schwab is the best broker for investor research.
Check out my Charles Schwab review to see why Schwab was my pick for #1 Overall Broker for 2025.
Best research data visualization - E*TRADE
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Overall |
Minimum Deposit |
Research |
 E*TRADE
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$0.00 |
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E*TRADE secures second place for investor research, thanks to its integration with Morgan Stanley, which delivers institutional-grade insights to self-directed investors. During my testing, I found the U.S. markets page to be a holistic resource, combining major indices, yields, news, and insights alongside an economic and earnings calendar. One standout feature was the advances/declines tab, which gave me a clear snapshot of market sentiment. When the market began selling off, this tab revealed more new highs than lows, helping me identify it as a profit-taking event rather than panic selling due to overvaluation. The sector comparison tool, which incorporates fundamental data, further enhanced the analysis experience.
I also appreciated how the platform strategically places podcasts to help investors focus on what matters most in the market. Beyond in-house research, E*TRADE integrates third-party insights and unique tools like Trefis, which visualizes data such as revenue projections. This data visualization theme is E*TRADE’s key differentiator, making complex market and security analysis more intuitive and accessible for investors.
Read my E*TRADE review to learn more.
Best comprehensive macro research - Fidelity
| Company |
Overall |
Minimum Deposit |
Research |
 Fidelity
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$0.00 |
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Fidelity takes third place for investor research, offering a well-rounded experience that impressed me with its thoughtful tools and insights. The predefined screener is a clear standout. Most brokers offer screeners, but Fidelity takes it further by incorporating detailed strategies powered by Zacks Investment Research. Each screen includes in-depth explanations and "things to watch out for," making the screens incredibly useful while simultaneously increasing understanding.
The economic calendar is hands-down the best I’ve ever tested and my personal go-to. It covers every major economic event, highlighting market-moving events, and includes contextual education to explain why it matters. Fidelity’s in-house opinion research is equally strong, spanning all asset classes, sectors, and the broader macroeconomic landscape. While the in-house research can sometimes feel heavy with jargon, the integration with their learning center, Viewpoints subscriptions, and variety of formats keeps it accessible.
Check out my Fidelity review to learn more.
Best broker for third-party research - Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) sets itself apart with an unmatched breadth of research, offering insights from nearly every major third-party provider. The Fundamentals Explorer within the Client Portal is ideal for everyday investors, while Trader Workstation (TWS) and IBKR Desktop provide professional-grade tools for seasoned traders. One minor feature with a major impact is the “why is it moving” section – explaining why a stock or security is making a big move.
What truly elevates IBKR’s research is the PortfolioAnalyst tool, which brings institutional-grade portfolio monitoring to self-directed investors. This feature allows you to benchmark your portfolio against indices and break down performance drivers like stock picking, sector allocation, and timing – features that reminded me of a Bloomberg terminal, but without the $24,000 price tag. PortfolioAnalyst is free, even for non-clients, and integrates data from over 15,000 financial institutions, providing detailed insights across all accounts. Combined with beautifully presented stock and fund research, including analyst forecasts and financial trends, IBKR delivers a comprehensive and professional research experience that’s second to none.
Read my Interactive Brokers review to learn more.
Best institutional grade research - Merrill Edge Self-Directed
Merrill Edge Self-Directed leads the category for institutional-grade research, offering in-depth insights typically reserved for professionals. Merrill’s Global Research provides unmatched analysis of global markets, sectors, and individual securities. During testing, I found the level of detail exceptional, offering the kind of insights that can shape an investment thesis. While some reports lean jargon-heavy, the quality and precision of the information are undeniable.
What truly sets Merrill apart is how it brings this research to life through intuitive tools. The Idea Builder makes discovering opportunities seamless by combining traditional filters with creative themes like AI or sustainable investing, turning complex data into actionable ideas. Once you’ve identified a potential investment, Merrill’s Stock Story and Fund Story tools simplify validation by breaking down fundamentals, valuations, and performance metrics into visually intuitive formats. This integration of world-class research with accessible tools makes Merrill Edge a top choice for investors seeking institutional-grade insights in a user-friendly package.
Read my Merrill Edge Self-Directed review to learn more.
Charles Schwab
Interactive Brokers
Fidelity
E*TRADE
Merrill Edge
TradeStation
tastytrade
eToro
