Halifax Share Dealing's Leap Year offer

Halifax Share Dealing is inviting customers to make the most of the extra day with a special leap year deal for new and existing customers.

Leap trading days are a rare occurrence and 2012 is only the sixth time in the history of the FTSE100 that markets will open on 29 February.

To mark the Leap Year Halifax Share Dealing customers will be able to purchase both UK and international shares online for a lower commission rate of just £3.66 commission per trade. The reduced rate will be available for purchases of international shares between 8am - 9pm and for purchases of UK shares between 12pm and 2pm, on 29 February 2012.

The reduction will offer traders a saving of £8.29 per purchase - that's more than two thirds off the usual commission rate of £11.95. 

Damian Stansfield, Managing Director at Halifax Share Dealing, says: "During the last leap year day we experienced a busier than normal trading day with an increase of 21% in trading volumes compared to the rest of February. This year we hope that the inclusion of international stocks in our offer will present a great opportunity for customers who're looking to explore international market opportunities and widen their portfolios with US or other global stocks."

"Our reduced commission offer is just one in a series of initiatives as part of our commitment to giving customers the best share dealing services in the market at the best price."  

Halifax Share Dealing's international trading service allows customers to trade beyond the London Stock Exchange, offering customers access to a further six of the world's largest stock markets. The top three stocks traded as part of a previous similar deal were Apple, Microsoft and Bank of America Corporation.