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Thinkorswim

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Thinkorswim
Available inEnglish
TypeElectronic trading platform
Websitetrade.thinkorswim.com

Thinkorswim is an electronic trading platform owned by Charles Schwab Corporation used to trade financial assets. It is geared for self-directed stock, options and futures traders.[1]

History

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Thinkorswim, Inc. was founded in 1999 by Tom Sosnoff and Scott Sheridan as an online brokerage specializing in options.[2] It was funded by Technology Crossover Ventures.[3] In February 2007, Investools acquired Thinkorswim.[4]

In January 2009, it was acquired by TD Ameritrade in a cash and stock deal valued around $606 million.[5][6][7] The final sale amount was $749 million, with 250,000 thinkorswim accounts transferred.[8] At the time, thinkorswim led the industry in the number of retail option trades per day, with Lee Barbra serving as CEO.[9] In 2018, with Thinkorswim, Ameritrade became the first US retail broker-dealer to launch 24/5 trading platforms, which it did through the thinkorswim platforms.[10] In early 2018, thinkorswim also expanded into Hong Kong.[11]

In October 2020, Charles Schwab Corporation acquired TD Ameritrade and the thinkorswim platform became available for Charles Schwab customers.[1] Charles Schwab that month confirmed plans to integrate Thinkofswim into its own tools.[12]

In 2023, Charles Schwab customers were given access to thinkorswim.[1] In 2025, the thinkorswim platform added 24/5 trading on S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 stocks, after testing the feature as a pilot in November 2024.[13]

Features

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In 2024, thinkorswim offered "pre- and post-market extended hours trading sessions across its trading platforms. Futures, including options on futures, and forex trading are available to clients with appropriately approved accounts."[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Miao, Hannah (October 16, 2023). "Schwab Gives Traders Access to TD Ameritrade's Thinkorswim Platform". The Wall Street Journal.
  2. ^ "Thinkorswim founders bring new online brokerage". Chicago Tribune. January 6, 2017.
  3. ^ "Technology Crossover Ventures: thinkorswim". Technology Crossover Ventures.
  4. ^ "Investools Inc. Completes Merger with thinkorswim Group Inc., Announces Upcoming Ticker Symbol Change to 'SWIM'" (Press release). marketscreener.com. February 15, 2007.
  5. ^ "TD Ameritrade buying thinkorswim for $606 million". Reuters. January 8, 2009.
  6. ^ Ortega, Edgar (January 8, 2009). "TD Ameritrade Buys Thinkorswim to Expand in Options". Bloomberg News.
  7. ^ "TD Ameritrade to buy thinkorswim for $606 million". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. January 8, 2009.
  8. ^ Goff, JOhn (January 10, 2012). "thinkorswim integration not all going swimmingly, TD says". Investment News. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  9. ^ "TD Ameritrade buying thinkorswim for $606 million". reuters. January 8, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  10. ^ a b Lyudvig, Anna (October 31, 2024). "Schwab to Significantly Expand 24-Hour Trading Capabilities". Traders Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  11. ^ "TD Ameritrade's Trading App "thinkorswim" Provides Access to US Equities". South China Morning Press & TD Ameritrade. December 3, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  12. ^ Krantz, Matt (October 7, 2020). "Is Thinkorswim Sunk Now That Schwab Owns TD Ameritrade?". Investor's Business Daily. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  13. ^ Sidhika, Anika (February 13, 2025). "Charles Schwab expands 24/5 trading to all clients". PrivateBankerInternational. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
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