Trading Curbs and Halts
 

Trading Curbs and Halts
By: Adam Ledbetter, CFP®
The Henssler Financial Group Position Paper

 

IRA contributions, catch-up contributions, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA

Previously, trading curbs and halts were steps that the equity markets used to minimize volatile trading during a market session.

Trading Curbs

As of November 2, 2007, the rule that created trading curbs was rescinded.

Trading curbs placed limitations on index-arbitrage trading. On a day when the DJIA dropped a certain number of points, any index-arbitrage market sell order must be filled at a price higher than the previous sale. The goal of trading curbs was to slow a steep decline by limiting index-arbitrage activity. Conversely, when the DJIA moved up that same number of points or more, any index-arbitrage market buy order must be filled at a price lower than the previous sale.

These curbs did not affect trades placed by the average investor.

Trading Halts

Trading halts are still in use.

Trading halts are implemented when the DJIA drops 10%, 20% or 30%. A trading halt ends all trading for a limited time period. Trigger levels for second quarter 2008 are: 1,200 points, 2,450 points and 3,650 points.

If the DJIA drops 1,200 points during any one day before 2 p.m. EST, trading on the NYSE will be halted for one hour. If the drop occurs between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the halt will last for only 30 minutes. If the drop occurs after 2:30 p.m., trading will not be halted.

If the DJIA drops 2,450 points before 1 p.m., trading will be halted for two hours. If the drop occurs between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., the halt will be for only one hour. If the drop occurs after 2 p.m., trading will be halted for the remainder of the day.

If the DJIA drops 3,650 points at any point during the day, trading is halted for the remainder of the day.

In each case, the halt is instituted to allow investors to step back, evaluate what news is moving the market, and then make their decisions.

For more information, please contact The Henssler Financial Group at 770-429-9166 or comments@henssler.com.

All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.

 
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