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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Algorithms on Wall Street and in the Rest of Our Lives

Knight Capital is a so-called "market maker," using high-speed computers to keep Wall Street fair and orderly. Last week it created chaos instead. It's the latest in a series of computer malfunctions that are giving some investors the jitters by trading stocks faster than the human brain can function.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Knight Capital is a so-called "market maker," using high-speed computers to keep Wall Street fair and orderly. Last week it created chaos instead. It's the latest in a series of computer malfunctions that are giving some investors the jitters by trading stocks faster than the human brain can function. Have the benefits of fast trading reached their limits? What's the role of computer algorithms in other parts of our lives? You may be surprised.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

  • KCRW placeholder

    Felix Salmon

    chief financial correspondent for Axios

  • KCRW placeholder

    Chris Steiner

    author

  • KCRW placeholder

    Terrance Odean

    University of California, Berkeley

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