FirstradeSecurities has added a new options analysis tool to its web platform, thelatest move by discount brokers competing to attract retail traders lookingbeyond basic stock investing.The OptionsBuilder tool, which went live today (Wednesday), lets users filter strategysuggestions based on whether they expect prices to rise or fall, then reviewpotential profits and losses through interactive charts. The company partneredwith Paris-based Trading Central to integrate volatility data and pricinganalytics into the interface.Firstrade’s VolatilityAnalytics Target Active TradersThe toolincludes what Firstrade calls a Strategy Lab, where users answer questionsabout their market outlook and risk tolerance. The system then suggestsmulti-leg options strategies and displays potential outcomes across differentprice scenarios.A separatedashboard shows volatility trends and peer comparisons drawn from TradingCentral's market data. Users can execute trades directly from the analysisscreens rather than switching between research and order entry. The broker had already worked with the company a year earlier, when it added Trading Central’s AI-powered analytics to its mobile trading app."We'reexcited to see Options Insight integrated into Firstrade's platform, bringinvestors the depth of analysis and decision-support tools they need to tradeoptions with confidence," Alain Pellier, CEO of Trading Central, said in astatement.Firstradehas offered zero-commission options trading since2018, when it became the first major broker to eliminate both per-tradefees and per-contract charges. The firm now faces competition from largerrivals like Charles Schwab and Fidelity, which also dropped options fees.In thefirst half of this year, the broker also introducedits Overnight Trading service, allowing 20/5 access to 1,200 securities.Multiple Experience LevelsFirstradeis pitching the tool to both newcomers learning basic strategies andexperienced traders who want volatility metrics and real-time data feeds. Thecompany said the interface simplifies comparisons between different strikeprices and expiration dates."AtFirstrade, we're constantly striving to make sophisticated investing tools moreapproachable," John Liu, CEO of Firstrade, said."Options Builder represents another step forward in helping our customerstrade smarter — combining clear education, transparent risk visualization, andactionable analytics in one intuitive experience."Optionstrading among retail investors surged during the pandemic and has remainedelevated, particularly for short-dated contracts on individual stocks. Brokershave responded by adding educational content and simplified order entry, thoughregulators have raised concerns about inexperienced traders taking on complexderivatives positions.FinanceMagnates.comreported last month that the online brokerage is adding technology toaddress fragmented 401(k) retirement accounts, as nearly 32 millionAmericans have abandoned them.Firstradesaid additional investing tools are in development but did not provide detailsor a timeline. The Options Builder is currently available only on the webplatform, not the mobile app.This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.