mde - what is IB's 'moat,' if you will? What do they possess that will keep the competition at bay, and what is their competitive advantage? Thanks.
Since everyone wants to 'flip' their shares I imagine this will tank very quickly... Remember FIG? Big hype..big selloff
No, its not. That is why market makers gennerally trade at a lower PE than online brokers do. Take a look at the chart for NITE or LAB for the past year. Yes, inarguably. Timber Hill makes a boatload of money with their proprietary trading, much higher ROI than market making or broking. I'm guessing that Peterffy will take that part with him, when he finishes cashing out. I've seen it again and again. And the guy on the other thread making illiterate comparisons to Refco might not be as far off base as he sounds. Accounting standards are much stricter for public companies, who knows what is hiding in the woodpile. I'm still in for a small amount, they'll push it up, if only to keep the big guy from looking like a fool. Egos are in play here. Dr. L.
MDE or anyone else, maybe you can help answer a few questions. 1) If I enter a bid of 35 for 300 shares, and it is priced at 32, does that "guarantee" that I will get 300 shares at the IPO price of 32? 2) Will the shares immediately be in my account the 1st day of trading? 3) What's the required holding period or lockup for those that get shares?
1. No, you may be only partially filled and in the prospectus it says there is no guarantee you will get shares even if you bid higher than the price. They have the right to reject your bid. 2. Yes and No. Some brokers may take a few days to settle so you can not "flip" your shares which I would not recommend anyway. 3. Not sure, but I think WR is 15 days.