December 21, 2006
As it is understood, the exchanges are now operating as for-profit enterprises, and they consider the sale of market data to be a revenue-producing product.
For years, companies like Schwab has advocated that market data should be treated as a public good that should be widely available and affordable to ensure market transparency and create a level playing field among all traders and investors—not just institutions and professionals.
I, too, agree with this statement and hope the commission will work in the best interest of the public and the free market.