Brat said:
I agree. Vanguard has a larger menu of index mutual funds, Fidelity has a lower rate for stock purchases (incl ETFs). Fidelity has more investor centers. Each has it's strengths, both are very good.
when I looked into it, I chose Fidelity over Vanguard for the following reasons: (I did not have $1 million to invest, more like half that amount).
Although Vanguard had a larger selection of index funds, a couple of the mutual funds I wanted to invest in at Vanguard were closed (health care and energy). Fido had such sector funds open. The Vanguard etfs were open.
ETFs by Vanguard or anyone else were available at Fidelity
Vanguard commissions were $20/trade. Fido's were either $11 or $8 depending on trade frequency. I am not a frequent trader, so I get $11/trade (need over $100,000). $20 seemed pretty steep and I wanted access to ETFs.
Fido had a network of 1100 mutual funds that had no transaction fees (network, however, did not include Vanguard funds, but did include Pimco, Profunds, Rydex, and many others of interest).
Ultimately, the $20 commissions put me off and I went with Fido.
I've had Fido accounts in the past and have always received exemplary service.