E-Trading in Europe

Forrester Research estimates the number of online traders of stocks, bonds and funds in Europe will rise from 3.2 million in 2002 to 10 million in 2007. Specifically in Ireland, Forrester says the number will rise from 18,000 online investors and traders in 2002 to 56,000 in 2007. Germany will be the market with the most e-investors with roughly 1.7 million in 2002 growing to 3.5 million by 2007. Forrester notes that there are three types of e-investors or e-traders in Europe — 35% are “get rich quick” traders who are not affluent, but very active (roughly 19 online trades per year). Another 29% are “nest egg normal” traders who are moderately active, completing two e-trades per year, and relatively cautious with their investments and finally 13% are “cautious savers” who complete one online trade per year.