“Quant Wars”

As computers compete for market position, AJ Discala provides commentary on what he calls ‘Quant Wars,’ or Quantitative Wars.

“The algorithm-driven firms have been battling out for market position for the last two days. It’s not people making most of these trades, but computers that are alternating between commands to buy and sell in high volumes,” says AJ Discala. “The high volumes coupled with 4-800 point daily fluctuations in the DOW last week have brought the ‘battle zone’ to Wall Street.”

Though the markets have settled some since “Manic Monday,” AJ Discala says stability is yet to come. “In my opinion, we’re looking at a period of weeks ahead before order comes back to the markets. However, the ‘vix,’  implied volatility of the S+P 500, has decreased by 30 percent from last week's highs,” says AJ Discala. “This may be an indication that the fear and risk aversion of equities has begun to subside.”

As the markets begin to gain clarity regarding the Euro zone bond markets, we should begin to see more calm and a return to a focus on fundamentals. Tuesday’s planned meetings between Sarkozy and Merkel will be an important step to clarity for all.