Stocks & Commodities V. 23:7 (34): Quick Scans: TotalView by Jayanthi Gopalakrishnan

Stocks & Commodities V. 23:7 (34): Quick Scans: TotalView by Jayanthi Gopalakrishnan

NASDAQ Level II quotes: Those words were ubiquitous during the dotcom era, giving the impression to active traders that it was a necessity on your quote screen in order to trade. And given the volatility in some of those stocks, I would have had to agree. But as liquidity in some of the technology stocks dwindled once the bubble burst, so did the glamour of the Level II quote. Still, even now, many active traders feel strongly about having a quote screen that provides more depth. It gives them that intuitive edge, and if you have ever watched a Level II screen, I’m sure you feel the same way. The product is also in line with the interest of financial regulators who want a market that is efficient and transparent — that is, one in which orders are not concealed.