ASIAN STOCK EXCHANGES NOW ACCESSIBLE IN REAL TIME, ONLINE
TO UK TRADERS   
 
LUXEMBOURG BASED BROKER FIRST IN EUROPE TO MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR ASIAN STOCKS FROM INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS 
 
Internaxx, the online broker from Fortis and TD Waterhouse dedicated to active investors trading international markets, has launched the stock exchanges of Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia to its online brokerage platform.
As such, investors will be able to tap into the many investment opportunities available now in the Asian markets, and profit from the sustained growth rates in the emerging economies. Last year, the domestic market capitalizations of the Hong Kong, Australian and Singapore stock exchanges have grown by 50.3%, 23.9% and 42.7% respectively, showing the exceptional development of Asian economies and its listed companies.

SMART TRADERS ARE HEADING EAST
 
Internaxx has seen a consistent drive towards Asia in its global clients’ investment strategies. In recent global research by Internaxx, investment in Asia has risen from 33% to 39% - a bigger increase in investment exposure than anywhere else. The Asian region also scores the highest level for positive sentiment, with confidence in China at 42%, up from 38% in 2005 and far exceeding the UK, the US and Europe. The main reasons cited were the promising long-term economic perspectives and the superior growth rates compared to developed economies. 

Also, a closer look shows that barriers to investment in those regions have significantly declined in the last 12 months on all specific criteria - lack of knowledge in the Asian economies from 47% to 35%, concerns over corporate governance from 19% to 13%, market volatility from 18% to 10% and uncertainty over economic prospects from 22% to 11%. 
 
LOWER CURRENCY COSTS BOOST ASIAN APPEAL

Not only can Internaxx clients access high growth Asian markets online with real time quotations, news, market comments, technical analysis and consensus data, but they can also significantly curb currency costs.

With a multi-currency investment account supporting the HK$, AU$ and SG$, traders can transact in the currency of the local market, thus avoiding any unnecessary and costly currency conversions. Additionally, the account pays interest for any currency, hence providing return for cash that is sitting in the account whilst not yet invested in the markets.

From a pricing perspective, Internaxx applies its discounted pricing structure based on the value of the order consideration, with additional reductions for frequent traders. As such, investors can access Asian markets with significant discounts compared to the usual banking and brokerage charges levied in Europe.

Internaxx General Manager Robert Glaesener says;
"International investors consistently view Asia as a potentially very attractive investment region, which they want to access without restrictions of cost or process. Ours is a pioneering step for a European broker, fully in line with the needs of traders whose confidence in Asia is at an all time high. Our service comprises competitive pricing, research and real time online access that until now was only available via very expensive and highly restricted banking products."

For more information:
 
Robert Glaesener
General Manager- Internaxx
00 352 2603 2046
robert.glaesener@internaxx.lu

Sophie Noel
Communication Manager - Internaxx
00 352 2603 2026
sophie.noel@internaxx.lu

Nick Hadjinikos
Kallinos Communications London
00 44 208 940 8239
nick@kallinos.com
 
Editors Note:
 
About Internaxx
 
Internaxx is an international online brokerage service based in Luxembourg, and a joint venture between TD Waterhouse and Fortis. It offers online real time share dealing, FX and derivatives trading to several thousands of expatriate and international investors worldwide. Internaxx can be accessed online 24 hours a day and 7 days a week via www.internaxx.lu, or through a multi-lingual Call Centre during trading hours. For more information, visit www.internaxx.lu.

Internaxx Bank S.A. is registered and regulated as a bank under Luxembourg law.
 
About TD Waterhouse
 
TD Waterhouse is part of the TD Bank Financial Group - a leading e-commerce financial institution providing on-line access to banking, discount brokerage mutual fund and insurance products and services. In Canada and around the world, TD Bank Financial Group serves more than 13 million customers in three key businesses: personal and commercial banking including TD Canada Trust, wealth management including the global operations of TD Waterhouse, and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities.

www.td.com
www.tdwaterhouse.com
 
About Fortis
 
Fortis Banque Luxembourg S.A. is one of the leading banks in Luxembourg and a fully owned subsidiary of Fortis Group.
Fortis is an international financial services provider engaged in banking and insurance. Fortis offers its personal, business and institutional customers a comprehensive package of products and services through its own channels, in collaboration with intermediaries and through other distribution partners. With a market capitalisation of EUR 42.1 billion (31 December 2006), Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Its sound solvency position, its presence in 50 countries and its dedicated, professional workforce of 59,000 enable Fortis to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide its clients with optimum support.
Fortis is listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg and has a sponsored ADR programme in the United States.

www.fortisbanque.lu
www.fortis.com