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Lifestyle

Speedy Swaps

03:44

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October 29, 2012

Financial trading has reached lightning speeds: instead of swapping securities on the trading room floor, traders now complete their transactions in the virtual world - and within milliseconds. The profits are big, but the risks are even bigger.

Technology has transformed the way traders work across the globe. Now, computers carry out major transactions while humans merely stand by and supervise. High-frequency traders earn their living through minimal price differentials. Their profit only adds up to a fraction of a cent - but it's the volume that counts.

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