Quote from OldTrader:
This statement is not true.
We're talking about an analyst here....not an "insider". Passing on an analyst view of a company would not be "insider" information. By the way, this one has been tested in court...ie the Ray Dirks case.
And in the unlikely event that an analyst possessed insider information it would be "insider information" whether it be the first call, or the second, or the third.
At this time there is no law at all against choosing which clients to call first with analyst information.
Finally, there are large numbers of people who even if they got the "first call", would not know what to do with it. Today for instance, semiconductors were downgraded. If you got the "first call" on that information what would you have done?The correct answer is "buy". Even if you get information first, you still have to decide what the "crowd" will do with the information. And there are times when this may not be clear. Alot of the time it depends on whether traders are long or short as to how the stock will respond. So using information takes some talent, even if you're getting the first call.
OldTrader
Let's be serious. There is only so much you can do with publicly available info even if you get a few min before the majority. The returns of Cohen (assuming no big exxagerratoon) are beyond what getting your info a few min before the other funds can do.
I'm sure there are quite a few fund managers that have the same contacts and leads for info, as well as getting first call. It's just too competitive to simply be able to get first call and make such great returns. Trading on info may take skill but is nowhere near rocket science. I have only recently started trying to trade news and to be honest, it's really not that hard if you are quick to get the info and place ur orders (as well as actually getting filled good). I'm sure Cohen has good relations with the specialists and MMs and prob pays them a nice commission to make sure he can get good prints.
So the only way to get a true edge in this information game is to start crossing the line.
The correct answer is "buy". Even if you get information first, you still have to decide what the "crowd" will do with the information. And there are times when this may not be clear. Alot of the time it depends on whether traders are long or short as to how the stock will respond. So using information takes some talent, even if you're getting the first call.