Top on Trader’s Wish List – Limit Payment for Order Flow

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After speaking with several experienced traders, one thing stands out as top of their wish list: limits on payments for order flow.  Payment for order flow (POF) is a widespread arrangement, and one that’s been around in US Markets for quite some time.  In fact, this practice dates back to the 1980’s with masters like the notorious Bernie Madoff leading the way.   This system is an arrangement where a third-party firm pays brokers to send orders to them rather than to the open market.   (more…)

Weighing In on Trade-At Rule

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stocks trending upMany factors and opinions come into play when discussing the need for a Trade-at Rule, but most agree it warrants evaluating.   Practices such as Payment for Order Flow (POF) are causing Traders, Exchanges and Regulators to review the current market structure and consider implementing a Trade-at Rule, while traders are still fighting for market share.    (more…)

Trading Stocks From Home vs. Trading From the Office

traders looking at computer screensMost traders begin their career as an individual, discretionary Day Trader.   An individual learns from experience, and that couldn’t be more true for a trader.  Once a trader has some experience under their belt, they may consider trading stocks from home.  Certain circumstances could prompt this desire to work from home rather than your firm’s office; perhaps you are new to an area and want to work for a company located in another state, or maybe you are already settled into your dream home, and find yourself in transition searching for a new firm to call home but the one you want to work with is located miles away.  Many trading firms offer their traders the ability to trade from home, or from their office.  While there are many advantages to both, we’ll evaluate the pros and cons in both situations, the requirements for successfully trading remotely, and the benefits of working in the office with other experienced traders. (more…)

How IEX Will Change Markets for Day Traders

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IEX – The Investors Exchange

IEX, also known as The Investors Exchange, was given final approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission in June of 2016 to become the thirteenth stock exchange in the United States.   IEX was originally formed as an Alternative Trading System, or a dark pool, in October of 2013 and continues to utilize the same technology as an exchange to level the playing field for all traders.  IEX is the first exchange to offer a transparent environment for day traders and high frequency traders (HFT’s) alike.  Day traders have historically been at the mercy of HFTs, whose trading accounts for 50% of all market trades.   (more…)