Quote from Icarus5:
1. They changed the rules on Vic in the middle of the game.
2. They changed the rules and played games with Soros also, which is at least one reason why he probably didn't like the way Vic played the game ... because he knew what could go on behind the scenes, and apparently Vic didn't.
3. Everything is on our part is conjecture, until Vic writes the documentary about what led up to his downfall and puts it in print.
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When you say THEY,are you referring to the CME,the clearing agents or some other entity? I would imagine that any sophisticated investor would be fully aware of those type of events and possibly account for it in their decision making process.
You are correct that it is conjecture,but it is not conjecture that Vic blew up in a 12% move from peak to through(9% off closing prices).I think we are in agreement there was a fair amount of leverage being employed.A betting man would have to assume that Vic was also short excessive gamma to run into that type of trouble on that type of move.
Should Vic have been short any longer dated options below 75% of spot strike for less than 2%(which it is),I would maintain that he was simply taking advantage of the margin requirements and blindly selling downside skew..
Worst case scenario,Vic blows up,and the reserve fund of the exchange and the clearing agents make good..
Interestingly enough,you and Surf point out that increased margin requirements led to Vics ultimate demise.What does that tell you about the Barefoot Wonders trading??
P.S. Do you think Vic was really Bullish or do you think he just loved selling those juicy,fat,delectable fat tails....
