This is the second time I've seen mention of ETrad's financial woes.

I got an email from them the other day, announcing that Wednesday will be "Customer Appreciation Day" - all trades commission-free.  It also said this:

"As you know, the past few months have been challenging for the financial services industry.

However, there is some good news. E*TRADE FINANCIAL Corp. has recently received a
$2.5 billion capital infusion from one of the world's leading investment firms. This is a clear vote of confidence, solidifying the ability to deliver the value you have come to enjoy—today and into the future."

FYI and FWIW. 

SGE