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Replies to #39245 on One Step Ahead

hundred to one

04/15/05 12:37 PM

#39246 RE: Bo14172 #39245

Nice post Bo you obviously know more about the inside workings of the market than I ... But I know when something stinks...kaos

EvilTweety

04/15/05 12:44 PM

#39247 RE: Bo14172 #39245

"When is the last time in market history has a broker opened the market up so investors can trade 5 digits (sub .0001)??"

I can tell you this much - the SEC was totally unaware of it going on here until I discussed it (several times) with Leslie Hakala at the SEC. She even asked me to provide proof from my Ameritrade account........which I did.

Tweety

janice shell

04/15/05 4:36 PM

#39262 RE: Bo14172 #39245

Until a few years ago, stocks could be quoted beyond the fourth decimal. Then MVEE/MEMI issued 38 billion shares and showed no sign of stopping. Compared to CMKX, that doesn't seem like all that much, but at the time it was stunning.

As the stock price sank, the Nasdaq decided to do something about the situation. Unfortunately I can't find whatever directive they issued, but I believe they simply forbade stocks from being QUOTED beyond four decimals. I don't believe they have the authority to stop them from being TRADED beyond four decimals.

I believe the Nasdaq thought this would put a stop to excessive dilution and excessively low stock prices, but it didn't work. In reality it made it easier for trading to take place without anyone knowing at what price.

As you point out, this doesn't happen very often. As many have pointed out, CMKX is the biggest diluter of all time. At this time no one wants to buy or sell within the four decimal range. That's the law of supply and demand. The problem is that most brokerages apparently don't want to accept limit orders out to the fifth decimal.

You might try an experiment: put in a small market order to buy, and see where you're filled. We already know you'll be filled under 0.0001 if you put in a market order to sell.