May 21st, 2009 by Alec

Visit to the NYSE

Thanks to everyone who helped Marcie and I get on the trading floor! It was amazing to see how the cornerstone of America’s financial sector operates.

While I was really excited to be privileged enough to check out the exchange, I was a little disappointed knowing that most people won’t be afforded the opportunity to see how everything works. In my opinion, touring the NYSE is crucial for everyone at some point in their life.

We toured the trading floor, met with several traders & specialists, and learned a lot about the history of the market. The ‘Garage’ as the traders refer to it, is where the traders in the early days of the market, came to park their horse and buggies – today its over-run with large kiosks filled with computer equipment.

As recently as last month, the AMEX was moved onto the floor of the NYSE, and now the two are both housed at 8 Broad Street. Interestingly, the NYSE and the AMEX are not in separate rooms, however options trading and stock trading are. (Incidentally, the options traders didn’t look all that busy!).

I can’t say enough great things about the people at Triad Securities and Bluepoint Securities, who gave us the opportunity to check out the trading floor, and get a feel for the real Wall Street. Thanks!

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April 18th, 2009 by Alec

Happy birthday Marcie!

Happy birthday, now you’re over the hill!!

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