We’ve had a few subscribers ask us what our favourite finance apps are here at the Switzer Super Report. And with millions of people across the globe now owning a smart phone, it’s no surprise that there’s growing popularity for finance apps that allow investors to trade, monitor their portfolio’s stocks, and keep up with the latest market news.
You’ve probably all heard of an “app” before, but for those who haven’t, it’s short for application – a software program designed for those nifty smart phones and tablets we all use. They’re easy to use, and better still, many of them are free to download.
Here’s a list of the financial apps that our experts love.
CommSec and Bloomberg
The CommSec app was a clear winner, and the only app recommended for trading, as well as market quotes.
While it might not come as a surprise that CommSec’s chief economist Craig James gave his endorsement for the app, experts’ Lance Lai, Paul Rickard and Ron Bewley also gave it the thumbs up.
“I exclusively use CommSec (free) for actual quotes and trading – I’ve never used anything else and it seems pretty good. I also use CommSec IRESS which is an add-on at $82.50 a month, unless there is sufficient trading activity,” says Bewley.
The quality of CommSec’s app may be put down to a commitment from CommBank to invest heavily in technology. Paul Rickard says that CommBank’s early investment in technology, like digital applications, is one of the reasons CommBank remains so far ahead of the other banks.
Another highly recommended app for market quotes was Bloomberg.
“Bloomberg is truly amazing. Tonnes of information and free on my phone and iPad,” says David Buckland of Montgomery Investment.
Many of our experts are long-term investors rather than active traders, and that explains why only one app mentioned – CommSec – allows you to purchase and sell shares on your mobile device. Regardless of your investment style, these apps are beneficial to every investor because you can keep an eye on the day-to-day performance of the shares in your portfolio, wherever you are.
You can also create a personalised ‘watchlist’ for those stocks you like to monitor at a glance.
Commsec app
Here’s a rundown of some of the features that our recommended finance apps offer;
- Breaking business and finance news
- Ability to filter news based on categories
- Stock quotes and company specific news
- Portfolio tracking tools to view day-to-day performance
- Video interviews/market reports
- Personalised watch-lists to view at a glance
- Interactive charts
- The option to turn on “push notifications’’ so you can receive breaking news alerts and company announcements
Bloomberg app
Important: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. Consider the appropriateness of the information in regards to your circumstances.
