Quote from DmanX:
And here are the proposed rules w FIA rebuttal to each (just so you get an idea of the types of rational thinking that's going to temper the proposal):
http://www.futuresindustry.org/files/pdf/FIA_attachment_Final.pdf
You can see the writing on the wall a mile away: Retail speculator will be a defined group. Once in place:
Say goodbye to intraday margins. Also probable commercials, institutionals, etc have completely different (lower than retail) margin. After all, that's considered productive activity.
Commissions go up. At minimum, volume break tiers are upped. Exchanges have to make up lost volume revenue. Isn't it nice that major exchanges are public entities, responsible to shareholders instead of customers?
Fees go up. Brokers will pass through data fees. Perhaps even create a new for-profit revenue stream. Moreover, where's the money for those 200 new full-time (oversight) employees going to come from?
Retail account requirements. Can you say PDT-F (pattern day trader-futures). Equities are 25K. Futures are supposedly riskier. Skys the limit with the geniuses.
Retail taxes. FOR RETAIL, 1256 contract preferential taxation goes away. FOR RETAIL, transaction tax around the corner as well.
All this designed especially for you, the retail speculator. For your own protection, as well as the good of the financial system, and therefore the good of the country.
Once unthinkable, now unstoppable.
obama-lama
PS. This is a good thread to make THIS linkage:
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=154004