Those Crazy Hand Signals Traders Use

Ever wonder what those crazy hand signals are that traders use? Here’s a primer from Britain:

With the introduction of electronic trading, hand signals have disappeared from the London Stock Exchange. But traders on some exchange floors around the world still like to wave their hands and fingers about to strike a deal.
Hands out in front but pulling towards you: I’m buying
Hands out in front, palms out, pushing away: I’m selling
Combination of finger signals indicates the buying/selling price (a closed fist indicates a zero). Then,
Touch the face: signals the amount to buy/sell
Finger to chin: multiples of 1
Finger to forehead: multiples of 10
Fist to forehead: multiples of 100

I’m afraid I’d accidentally buying 10 billion shares of something.

Posted by Eddy Elfenbein on October 17th, 2008 at 10:16 am

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