Algorithmic Trading Is a Huge, Ticking Litigation Bomb, FRT Tells Real Money

algo tradingOf all the trading conducted on world stock exchanges, about half is carried out through algorithmic trading. Considering the sheer volume of algorithmic trading that occurs and its potential impact on market volatility, we are likely to see a new era for securities litigation. Despite the fact that algorithmic trading should help increase market efficiency, algorithms are prone to fraud and manipulation, Michael Lange, FRT’s Counsel for Securities Litigation, recently told Real Money.

“A number of academic studies are now questioning the increased efficiency, while volatility has raised dramatically and is punctuated by flash crises following the introduction of algorithms,” Lange added.

Lange points to a recent situation in which a fake press release went out supporting cosmetics company Avon, which sent shares soaring by 20% and increased the volume by 448%.  Once Avon released that the information in the press release was inaccurate, prices fell. This is a great example of why algorithmic trading can be subject to class actions because they cannot pick up on the element of human error. It will be interesting to see if securities class action suits due to algorithmic trading become prevalent in years to come.

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