September 20, 2008
Finally SEC is doing something to curb the naked short sell. However, this is not enough. I strongly urge SEC to ban naked short sell for a much longer time, at least until the end of this year. I prefer a permanent ban. Clean up the FTDs on the current book in no more than 5 business days. It is absurd to take months settle a trade in this electronic era. I believe eliminating FTDs is the key to curb the naked short. Enforce the law and make sure the shares are delivered in 3 business days. Also, reimpose the Up-tick rule. If the naked short sell is allowed after this temporary fix expires Oct. 2, the market will go down the hill like a free fall again.