High Speed Traders - Inside Info

Would the ticker tape be inside information if the standard was carrier pigeon? 

Getting in front of an order is different from having fast knowledge of what is being actually traded on the exchange.    

Every trader wants to receive info that is available to everyone faster.   The computer (or black box) makes decisions faster.   Any person with a black box has to continually redo the software at tremendous expense.  It requires a highly skilled trader to develop a plan, a math genius, and a computer programming whiz.  This is not set it and forget it.   A malfunction can bankrupt you.

It is impossible to stop insider trading!

Before the President declares war, does anyone make money on inside information (buying stock in ammo, weapons, currency, etc.)  Before a congressman passes a law, does anyone make investments?   Who knows about permitting oil pipelines first?   Of course, the NSA would never do anything illegal.

This issue involves big big money.   Let's see what develops and how many people accidentally fall off roof tops.   

SOURCE: JP opinion.  Maybe right, maybe wrong.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101544772