Short Sellers Making an Even Bigger Killing Than You Think

[lawrence-lugar]

I'm sure a few retail traders are killing it, but that is a spit drop in the ocean.

in the same day that someone is making tons more, and others are losing tons more?

...That's the beauty of the markets; it's part art, part science -- there is no necessarily a concrete answer to give in regards to trading successfully. As a trader, you need that skill or intuition or craft to be developed in whatever you are trading. Understand all its variables; what makes it tick and why, etc. etc. know its boundaries and its risks. know when to get out and/or wait.

 

[Stewie]

In futures for someone to gain, someone has to lose and vice versa. Some firms could wash their trading profits against their money management vehicles.

Agreed, and the hedging of course complicates things cause people don't buy or sell futures contracts for all the same reasons, but there is no reason why the person who gains isn't always the same person, or at least most of the time.

 

[speedo]

....and many entities are still holding, thus nothing realized yet.

 

[SunTrader]

Futures is not completely a winner for every loser game or $1 lost for every $1 gained. Hedging between equities and/or options affects ultimate outcomes.