I expect these proposals to increase in the coming months. Pelosi has already discussed this. I wouldn't be suprised if Warren Buffet doesn't come out in favor of it as well, along with Cuban and others.
1000 share trade at 20 using Cubans proposal creates a $200 transaction tax total, in and out. Now, let's say you made two trades. That means your transaction tax total is $400. Now, let's go on with the commission...in and out lets say it's $10....$20 total for two trades. So total in and out costs to trade this stock twice is $420.
Now, let's say you made $.50 on one trade. Lost $.25 on the other trade. In other words, you netted $.25 between the two trades. That's $250 for the two trade, before commissions and transaction tax. After commission and transaction tax you lose $170.
With no transaction tax your gain would be $230.
I think the point is clear here....this type of proposal ends active trading of stocks as a business.
Certainly as realists we should expect these proposals to be made. But it's up to us to argue against the proposals. And it's up to us to let our Congressmen, Senators, and President of our disagreement with this type of proposal. If we don't, this type of proposal will be welcomed as a possible solution.
In the end, what will happen is it will drive active traders out of the market, reducing liquidity, and probably sending the markets lower. With less volume the likelihood of collecting sufficient transaction tax to actually pay for the bailout becomes less probable.
Meanwhile, the parties that actually brought on the crises escape scott free. Banks for instance. Why not come up with a cost levied on the users of the bailout money? In fact, my understanding was that the taxpayers would profit from the bailout...so why the need for an additional tax?
Get ready fellas, you're gonna have to fight.
OldTrader