New York, NY, USA September 1, 2004 : Overview and Trends
Celent Communications discusses trends in the equity markets and predicts who stands to win and lose in the face of Regulation NMS.
are huge and incredibly dynamic. Regardless of their role in the equities markets, firms are struggling with the way technology is changing their business models. The passage of Regulation NMS and the launch of NYSEs hybrid system are creating an atmosphere that will completely change the face of this market.
In a new report, : Overview and Trends, Celent provides a beginners overview of the equities markets. The report discusses structure, major players, competition, recent trends, and upcoming events. Major players include exchanges, ECNs, market makers, specialists, brokers, market aggregators, and block trading platforms. The economic models of specialists, ECNs, and exchanges are analyzed, with special attention paid to their revenue drivers and future challenges.
Celent asserts that Regulation NMS creates many more losers than winners. Broker-dealers will benefit specifically in the area of market data, but ECNs are more hurt than helped by the reform. Certain technology vendors and the NYSE also are at risk. A breakdown of Reg NMS impact on equities market players:
WINNERS UNDER REGULATION NMS |
Large Broker-Dealers |
Ability to sell market data provides a new revenue source. Market data cost will decline significantly when SIP data feeds become cheaper. |
ECNs |
Trade-through rule modifications allow them to more easily compete for listed order flow. |
LOSERS UNDER REGULATION NMS |
ECNs |
Can no longer quote in sub-pennies, removing a differentiator. Access fees, a major source of revenue, are capped. Ability to rebate for liquidity is removed, putting order flow at risk. |
NYSE |
Forced to revamp its market structure to qualify as a fast market, putting its trading model at risk. |
Floor brokers and specialists |
At risk for obsolescence as exchanges become electronic. |
Smart order routing vendors |
Expansion of trade-through rule reduces routing choices and therefore reduces need for this technology. |
Block trading platforms |
Changes to the "fair access" threshold may force these platforms to accept "undesirable" customers. |
Source: Celent Communications |
According to Jodi Burns, Celent analyst and author of the report, "Although Regulation NMS is not likely to become a reality until mid-2005, this reform will have a significant impact on and its importance cannot be overstated. Some firms will be put out of business, and others will be forced to stay afloat through acquisition."
The 37-page report contains 16 figures and four tables.
A Table of Contents is available online. of Celent Communications' Retail Securities & Investments, and Institutional Securities & Investments research services can download the report electronically by clicking on the icon to the left. Non-members should contact info@celent.com for more information. |
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