High frequency trading and the future of finance

When people think of the stock market, they think of Wall Street. But the world of finance is changing, and high-powered computers and high frequency trading methods are quickly taking on a larger role. Is this safe, and who wins and who loses?

This video from “Ideas in Action” with Jim Glassman looks at HFT as its know, how it works and the pros and cons.

A computer on a credit card

One of the products on display this week at CES 2012 that really caught our eye was this credit card device.

Dynamics Inc. has put an entire computer architecture into the size and shape of everyday credit cards. These fully programmable cards are password protected, allowing only authorized users access to funds. They have a host of other features too.

Global Risks 2012

Economic imbalances and social inequality risk reversing the gains of globalization, warns the World Economic Forum in its report Global Risks 2012. These are the findings of a survey of 469 experts and industry leaders, indicating a shift of concern from environmental risks to socio economic risks compared to a year ago.

Access the report using the link below.

Global Risks 2012 - Seventh Edition

Using your Web Cam as a Card Reader

Jumio, a US start-up, has developed a system to turn Web cams and smartphone cameras into credit card readers.

The company's Netswipe technology uses video streaming to let customers make online purchases at sites using it by capturing their credit card with a Web cam or smartphone camera and then keying in their CVV code.

Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek Round Two

"Fight of the Century" is another economics hip-hop music video by John Papola and Russ Roberts at http://EconStories.tv .

According to the US National Bureau of Economic Research, the “Great Recession” ended almost three years ago, in the summer of 2009. Yet we're all uneasy. Job growth has been disappointing. The recovery seems fragile. Where should we head from here? Is that question even meaningful? Can the government steer the economy or have past attempts helped create the mess we're still in?

In "Fight of the Century", Keynes and Hayek weigh in on these central questions. Do we need more government spending or less? What's the evidence that government spending promotes prosperity in troubled times? Can war or natural disasters paradoxically be good for an economy in a slump? Should more spending come from the top down or from the bottom up? What are the ultimate sources of prosperity?

Keynes and Hayek never agreed on the answers to these questions and they still don't. Let's listen to the greats. See Keynes and Hayek throwing down in "Fight of the Century"!

Mobile Banking: Is It Safe?

You’re a banker …..

Humphery advising Sir Desmond about the possibilities of making the Minister make the decision that they want him to make. Great clip from the comedy 'Yes Minister.'

But comedy aside, this is exactly what is making the current financial crisis much worse than it should be; politicians and bankers each Hell bent on pursuing their own agendas.