Raging Bull Market Continues to Set New Records

Raging Bull Market Continues to Set New Records

The DOW Jones Industrial Average started with a dozen listed stocks back in 1896, and now lists 30 American conglomerates with only one original company, General Electric, still participating.  The addition of Apple to the DJIA in 2015 shows that it is no longer a listing of just “industrial” companies.   The DOW took 77 years to achieve the first 1,000-point mark, and in 2017 alone it’s achieved that five times over, ending the year near 25,000. (more…)

What You Really Need to Know about Trading Bitcoin

What You Really Need to Know about Trading Bitcoin

Bitcoin has been a hot topic in the trading community the past few months, with spectacular runups in the price for Bitcoin and a whole host of alt-Coins.  We could write for days on what Bitcoin is, or we could spout another article contributing to the FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out), but we would like to get right into the trading-related stuff and tell you what you really need to know about trading Bitcoin.   (more…)

How Long Can the Market Sustain its Low Volatility?

Volatility in the stock market has a direct impact on stock performance and annualized returns.  Historically, when market performance is positive, volatility will tend to decline.  Conversely with higher volatility, investors experience greater risk, while the market sees a decrease in returns.  With the current calmness of the stock market, we have to wonder how long the market will sustain its low volatility, and when we should be concerned. (more…)

Day Trading Guide to Stock Order Types

stock numbersA day trading guide on stock order types is a dynamic volume, as new order types are continuously proposed, revoked or falsely justified.  As Nasdaq continues to develop, propose, then either revoke or justify new stock order types that continually benefit the select few, let’s review some of these recent order proposals and how they impact investors.

Nasdaq’s Proposal of the Extended Life Priority Order

Nasdaq proposed in November of 2016 a new order type they call the Extended Life Priority Order (ELO).  This was shortly after the SEC gave approval for IEX to become the 13th US Stock Exchange.  The ELO order type has been incorrectly compared to utilizing a time delay similar to IEX’s “speed bump”.   (more…)

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

Historytraders looking at computer screens

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…)