Restrictions apply: The $8.95 flat commission does not apply to foreign stock transactions, large block transactions requiring special handling, employer negotiated commission schedules applicable to equity compensation transactions, or restricted stock transactions. Foreign ordinary shares that trade online in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market and do not settle in the U.S. will have a $50 foreign transaction fee added to the cost of the transaction. All broker-assisted and automated phone trades are subject to service charges. A minimum deposit of $1,000 is required to open most Schwab brokerage accounts. Waivers may apply. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for details. Employee equity compensation transactions are subject to separate commission schedules.

*250 free trades expire 90 days after account approval. Applies to base online equity, ETF and option commissions only. Option per-contract fees still apply. To qualify, you must commit to making a minimum of 36 online equity or options trades per year and deposit $100,000. Other commission-free trade offers may be available if you deposit less than $100,000 -- call 888-245-6864 for terms. Free trades will be assigned at account opening. Account and assets deposited must be new to Schwab. Current Schwab clients and households are not eligible. Please see the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for detailed information. Offer valid until 12/31/2010. Offer is nontransferable, limited to one per household, and may not be combined with other offers. Accounts ineligible for this offer include, without limitation: 401(k), 403(b), Custodial, 529 Plan and Estate accounts. Unlisted foreign ordinary stocks are not eligible for this offer. Only trades placed through Schwab.com, StreetSmart Pro®, StreetSmart.com®, or Schwab Wireless are eligible for free trades. No credit will be given for unexecuted trades. Domestic, nonprofessional accounts only. Schwab, Schwab-affiliated, broker-dealer and exchange employees are not eligible. Other exceptions may apply. Schwab reserves the right to restrict this offer at any time.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions. Writing uncovered options involves potentially unlimited risks. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.”

Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.

Barron’s is not affiliated with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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