Economist Debate: High-Frequency Trading
8 March 2012
An Economist Debate with Dr. James Overdahl
NERA Vice President Dr. James A. Overdahl is participating in an online Economist Debate this week on high-frequency trading. In Economist Debates, experts in the issue at hand take opposing sides in a three-round debate overseen by a moderator. Dr. Overdahl, former Chief Economist for both the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, is defending the following proposition: "This house believes that high-frequency trading contributes to the overall quality of markets." Seth Merrin of Liquidnet is arguing the opposing side. Each side has three chances to persuade readers: opening, rebuttal, and closing. Those who wish to follow along with the debate can do so on the Economist website, and are encouraged to participate by addressing comments to the moderator, and by voting to determine the debate's winner. The moderator will single out the most compelling comments for discussion by the speakers. Opening statements have been posted on the Economist website, and the debate will continue over the next week.
