Should these financial practices be banned?
Should these financial practices be banned?
Why would one want to?
In efforts to reign in the "Casino" mentality of Wall Street. Please mind I'm only posing a question. I would like to see WeeWee's answer assuming he can make a cognitive answer.
I've been around the stock market since the mid-70's and damned if I really understand a lot about derivatives. But generally, I think they should be outlawed. And, generally, I think the option market should be outlawed while we're at it.
Talk about obfuscation! The language used to describe a bet where you are bound to lose your ass is just bewildering to the average investor. But, that's the point, isn't it? Make it sound extravagant and esoteric, convince "Joe Hard-Worker" that a "Straddle" is a conservative investment, go an and on about Puts and Calls and pretty soon you'll end up with all his money.
And "Mortgage Backed Securities". What could be wrong with that? Sounds safe, but Joe lost his ass on that, too. With guys like Jon Corzine and Bernie Madoff getting lots of the big money and making a big name for themselves it's no wonder that most people get suckered in.
"Saving" money - as in the bank - is considered foolish in some circles. But maybe it's the best tactic.