I don't trade any equities. Anyway I can presumably say few answer in any case. There will be a agency or an inherent charge much like forex... which charge you have to pay that depends on your broker. As far as I know each major bank offers equity trading... I did that. Simply verify whichever brokers you pick is guaranteed by the proper oversight agencies to keep away from bucket-shops and scams. Hours of trading are directed by the exchange you're trading on. In case you're trading the NYSE for instance you need to trade the hours its open, which for that trade is 9:30am to 4pm EST.