Interactive brokers.
Straight out - forget spreabbetting if u want to trade shares.
Interactive brokers have some of the tightest commisions (0.03 cents per US share - or something like that)
All depends on ur size tho - the only advantage of SB would be tax evasion, otherwise execution and everything is bullsht
Any by ''buying shares really'' i take it u mean investing, not trading on a much shorter/much more speculative perspective? - then def not SB - many people dont realise or calculate the costs of trading and holding positions overnight/long period with SB's (there Interest charge -LIBOR + base rate, is a silent money juicer.) work it out -
pound size x instrument = nominal value
(nominal value x LIBOR rate) / 365 = interest charged per day (on the long side)
good thing is if u go short u get paid that interest, although its at a mUch lower rate.
IB pal