How do human scalpers compete with machines today?

Scalpers need to be mentally agile and fast to have an edge over fellow scalpers. However, how can human scalpers compete with machines today given that they simply cannot match the speed of machines? Besides, machines don't make careless human errors.

How should scalpers respond to the challenge?

 

Automate their strategy.

 

Just trade the squeeze...

Also, trade as a liquidity provider in a big market on the outside of the range. In moderate to high volatility conditions the market will be back toward mean if it clips your order before you can blink...

 

Do human scalpers still exist? I thought they went the way of the dinosaur about 5 years ago,

Longer term is the only way to compete with hft unless u have something i never heard of-- which is very possible.

 

I have clients that scalp options with high rebates manually.

 

Do they specialize in certain tickers? Or do they move around and look for optimal environments?

 

They trade active options. Usually after a large move. Different everyday.

 

You can be faster or you can be smarter, take your pick.

 

Yep still here, doing okay, not really seeing a HFT Issue.

Just run a limit just below the current price, price spikes down, gets you in, spikes up, exit!

In an upward market ofcourse.

 

Ok. Thanks!