HDFC is the online securities trading arm of HDFC Bank. It offers broking service and is a comparable service to https://icicidirect.com. All investors can register with HDFC Securities and then buy or sell shares and other securities through them over the internet or even telephone.
Presently it offers trading only in NSE, but has published on its website that shortly once the BSE trading module is ready, trading in BSE also shall be supported.
It is a natural outcome of business opportunities for HDFC. HDFC generates funds through its insurance business and also mutual funds. These has to be invested in the stock / debt markets. It is quite sensible business decision then to have your own trading arm to buy and sell. This is actually forward integration measure or rather sideways integration.
The content on the website offers financial information, its analysis, investment guidance, news & views, etc. It is designed to meet the requirements of everyone from a learner to a savvy and well-informed investor.
It is also as aggressive as HDFC Bank. Infact, all account holders of HDFC Bank is given an option to have a free account in HDFC Securities. Even otherwise the charges are nominal.
Everybody who trades on the stock market, please get onto the net and start trading online. It is always better. The broker always cheats you on the price by saying that is the best price he could get, by leaving you no other source to cross check. However online trading eliminates that problem.
I would recommend all those investors to use the services of HDFC Securities and see the difference.