Opening An Investment Account

[deejah]

what are the best and cheapest online broker houses?

i see ads for etrade at 7 dollars a trade

not sure if that applies to futures and options, puts and calls

just looking to put a little money into the market and want to do it online while outside the states

i am hoping to transfer the money from a US credit union to the new trading account

i am thinking about oil, silver and gold funds that pay dividends as a hedge to protect my cash savings

thanks for any and all input