I feel you are underestimating the number of subpar programmers and software developers employed throughout the world.
Some twisted minds might suggest that this was a well planned computer "halts", and, some groups of people have collected some serious money "trading". But then, these are "twisted minds" speculations.
As you know I am very bearish overall-- but this is a great opp to get short term LONG. Long here in digitals for friday 17625 strike YM DJIA
This was a coordinated attack. Finance, media and airlines simultaneously go down at 10:45. Too much of a coincidence.
which one of the great traders on ET made money on the halt? And how many will be bitching, "It just isn't fair!"?