May 5, 2010
I am not sure about the reporting of large trader activity, but I am sure of one thing. High Frequency traders move markets in any direction they want. They do tis in many ways but is is always done to move the market. They claim it does not impact stability, but on the other side of every trade is some one that is impacted by the program's ability to move prices around. This does not promote a concept of fairness or level playing field that our markets are supposed to reflect. Instead it promotes self dealing and the perception of a rigged game. Another facet of this inequity is that most individuals can only work with settled funds, while thse guys can trade all day, turning the same dollar over many times. This is creating an artificial leverage that magnifies the problem. Remember LONG TERM CAPITAL, this could be much worse. All you need is one program to malfunction and the snowball would start downhill. Please look at this issue from the stand point of who it benifits. If it does not have positives for all market participants, then it should not be allowed. Thats the way America is supposed to work, equal opportunity for all.