The Goodbody report noted that, in some cases, investors were uncomfortable or shy about retaining the services of a stockbroker. If you fit into that category then the growth in Internet stock trading services might be a good option to explore.

NCB Stockbrokers already provides an online dealing service, while discount firms such as Charles Schwab and E Trade are constantly adding a wide range of services to woo clients over the Internet.

One of the strongest signals that Internet trading is set to dramatically take off is Merrill Lynch's move to allow its five million clients to trade directly online.

Customers who want to trade online with Merrill will have two options, possibly requiring a substantial investment. An account available in July will offer unlimited trades - electronic or otherwise - at no charge if a customer pays a minimum annual fee of $1,500 (€1,436). The fee, based on a percentage of assets the customer keeps at Merrill, will decline as those assets grow.

For smaller investors, Merrill is preparing to introduce a new online financial service offering Internet trades for $29.95 each in December. The service will also provide market research and cash management services. Although no final decision has been made, Merrill is "likely" to require an initial $20,000 opening balance for such accounts, a spokeswoman said.

Now that the likes of Merrill has decided to go online, investors who favour this medium should increasingly be offered a wider range of additional services for more competitive rates.