One more question....Ever heard of routing open outcry orders electronically? Got a call from a broker today said that they have the capability to route orders directly to any open outcry pit in the world. I have never heard of it and wondered if there is anyone else to compare with. Thanks for all the help today.
Depending on the exchange, they're either routing to a pit-based device like the CME has (orders can be routed through TOPS to a flat panel device a broker is using or to a hand held enabled pit) or they're routing electronically to a computer at the broker's station outside the pit and then being flashed in to them for execution.
Generally when they say pit routing, it means to a broker in the pit with an electronic hand held or some other electronic device. But this also depends on which contract your trading. It's a lot quicker sending, executing, as well as reporting the trade back to you.