[TomGullen]

I think you can argue on the whole is a waste, but I do believe it does have some advantages. EG efficient HFTs can reduce bid ask spreads which does save a lot of money for retail traders.

[sverhagen]

I think the premise was that such investments are wasteful if it's only for a trading arms race.

[sumedh]

> EG efficient HFTs can reduce bid ask spreads which does save a lot of money for retail traders.

Berkshire Hathway has $1000+ spreads yet you dont see a lot of people complaining.

[TomGullen]

Stock price is probably a pretty big factor in that along with volume.

[sumedh]

Exactly, that is the point.

[Dylan16807]

But being able to do that 50 milliseconds faster really doesn't.