I am a novice in trading and investments. My portfolio is 100% in mutual funds in 401(K) and I have been able to build a decent well balanced portfolio through consistently contributing, monitoring, and rebalancing the portfolio. I would like to start diversifying into stocks and options in 2007. My questions to the experts are as follows: 1) Which online brokerage houses would you recommend for IRA or brokerage accounts? I am looking for good investment and monitoring tools and mimimum commissions, and maintenance fees. 2) Since I will probably be starting with a small amount (couple of grands), what is the least amount that should be invested in one company considering the commissions. 3) Everyone says that recession is in horizon. Would you guys hold on to your mutual funds and stocks in the bear market or go into cash? If you go into cash, what is the right time to sell your mutual funds and stocks? 4) Also since the stock market is in all time high right now, would you recommend to wait until the market falls to start investing in stocks or invest right now?