i tend to agree, they seem to be trying to scare off any trades with expectancy. i know i can squeeze out net profit there, but i'm rapidly learning the vast opportunity i thought i saw in a clean trending stock doesnt really exist.
i can either slow the strat down to minimize the number of transactions to where it basically becomes an investors bet, or move on to some of the less enticing eq curves on some of the more liquid ishare issues. the amex is a crappy organization either way, i'm considering documenting and submitting my experience to the sec.
the quotes are absolutely not firm, it's a joke. apparently the amex help desk doesn't even investigate unfilled mktable orders until they've sat for at least a minute. so the guy has a full minute to 'adjust his quote'. yeah right
one silver lining has been the helpful explanations and attitude on the IB trade desk. been having a very good experience with them
being new to stock trading, i'm amazed exchanges are allowed to trade this way. globex never looked so good