LOL that's funny. and very true. plain vanillas have just scratched the surface of what is possible. options are still in their infancy. i'd be shocked if exotics don't take off in a BIG way in the coming years.
Market Making isn't trading! That's the most ridiculous post I have read yet! Where the F*&%% did you come from? Marketsurfer, Susquehanna would be a Great firm for someone getting out of College with a very good grasp of Quant. and Econometrics. They have become a real force in Options Market Making over the last several years. If you are young and bright, I would start by interviewing there. Contrary to what Rainmaker posted, market making is a very good way to learn how to really trade. Riskless
Market Makers want to belive they're traders. Sure. You make markets, and there is nothing wrong with that. "I was born to rob Market Makers"
They're a force, no doubt and anyone that says they're not is a fool. Again, I don't work for them. But people have told me that when they start trading, the option pits pay attention. Also, knew a guy that used to work in NY for a major BB inv. bank. According to him, Susq. buying/selling can be unrivaled at times. They definitely move markets. If you're taking their money, more power to you. But I doubt it. It's like that saying If you don't know who the fool in the market is, it's prob. you. Susq. is rarely the fool.
a susquehanna employee?? no doubt one of the if not the nastiest spec. on the floor? I heard he eats nails for breakfast
I can understand why some people don't think market makers are traders. Market makers' edge is partly from their function as middle men. When orders are directly matched in ISLAND, there are no market makers. Another difference is when market moves sideways, it's good for market makers, keeping on buying at bid/selling at ask, but it's bad for trend followers of which many traders are. On the other hand, when market moves in one way, straight up or down, those of us following trend will likely have a profit day while market makers may have a tough time to manage their risk.
thanks everyone for the views. i have done some research on susquehanna--- i liken these guys to mad financial scientists when it comes to derivatives. creating new hedges and products all the time. wonder how an option wiz like charles cottle would do with their backing and access ?? best, surfer