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Author Topic: HFT  (Read 1210 times)

zahc

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HFT
« on: December 10, 2010, 10:08:55 PM »
High Frequency Trading. You know, computer trading, with millisecond precision.

Parasitic pox on the free market, or God Bless America? Should it be regulated or banned? Is it a positive or negative thing? I honestly don't know. What do you think? Part of my instinct is just to leave it alone and it will wash out in the end, but when the stock market takes giant dips like it has done, then I have to think a bit harder. Is it just growing pains, or is it just the beginning and getting worse?
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lee n. field

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Re: HFT
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2010, 10:56:34 PM »
Quote from: zahc on December 10, 2010, 10:08:55 PM
High Frequency Trading. You know, computer trading, with millisecond precision.

<thread drift>A major plot element in the classic SF novel Norstrilia.</thread drift>
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MicroBalrog

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Re: HFT
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2010, 12:49:11 PM »
How is it different from previous-age speculations, except for being faster?
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zahc

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Re: HFT
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2010, 01:01:42 PM »
Because those that have access to better computer equipment have an advantage over those that do not. The computer-trading world is rife with double standards and special privileges that persist, unsurprisingly, because people are generally ignorant of computers. Effectively, they are insider trading.
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makattak

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Re: HFT
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2010, 01:09:39 PM »
Quote from: zahc on December 11, 2010, 01:01:42 PM
Effectively, they are insider trading.

Umm... what?

They are not acting on knowledge that the public cannot know. They are just acting faster than others. You think it's not fair that they can react faster so you want to choose who wins and loses in these instances?

Also, it's not like they are not subject to risk. Just cause you buy or sell the stock faster doesn't mean you don't lose. It's still gambling.
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MicroBalrog

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Re: HFT
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2010, 01:14:13 PM »
How is it unfair?

If you don't have a skill other's have, which is relevant to your moneymaking pursuit, how is it unfair more skilled people make more money?
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BMacklem

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Re: HFT
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2010, 03:06:40 PM »
I have pleanty of computer knowledge, and a number of fast (er) machines....so how do I go about getting involved in that stuff?
Or are you talking about forex trading with a bot?
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