StockbrokersThere are several different instruments for trading in debt and equity, including some which give exposure to both debt and equity. They are not equally suitable for any particular individual. One would be well-advised to seek advice appropriate to ones individual circumstances.
All debt and equity instruments are considered riskier investments than deposit accounts, as capital losses can occur.
A short description of the various types of instrument can be found on the Investment Research Links page.
In the case of retail (or private) investors, debt and equity instruments are normally traded through stock-brokers, who charge a commission for buying and selling on your behalf. There are additional trading costs. Not all stock-brokers necessarily trade in all instruments. Gilts may also be traded through the Post-Office. This was traditionally cheaper than dealing with advice through a stockbroker, but I haven't confirmed that it remains cheaper than a modern execution-only broker.
There are 3 levels of stock-broking services: execution-only, in which the client makes the investment decisions without consultation with the broker; advisory, in which the broker advises the client, but requires confirmation from the client to deal; and discretionary, in which the broker makes decisions without consulting the client.
There are some specialist brokers in options and futures. There are also services for contracts for difference and financial spread betting.
StockbrokersThe followed are known or reported to offer internet dealing services. In some cases real-time dealing was not offered at the time when the links were added; in other cases I have not confirmed that real-time dealing was offered. In either case real-time dealing may now be offered.
Options and FuturesFutures are the obligation to sell or purchase an equity, commodity, etc at a specified price and date. Options are the right to sell or purchase such as a specified price and date. Both are geared investments, and are inherently risky. Options (but not 'writing options') are safer. Futures and option contracts can be written on equities, bonds, commodities and currencies.
Contracts for Difference
Spread BettingFinancial spread betting, like options and futures contracts, allows gearing of your capital. This means that larger amounts of money may be gained or lost, so care in evaluating the risk profile of ones bets is desirable. It may well be possible to use spread betting as a substitute for futures contracts, but before one does this one should understand the differences and similarities.
Legally spread betting is gambling, rather than investment. It has advantages in the absence of stamp duty, stockbrokers' commissions and capital gains tax liability. Dividends are not paid. When comparing costs with equity purchase, or the purchase of a futures or options contract remember to compare spreads.
Financial BettingCommodities