Military Laser Technology Latest Edge In HFT Wars

As the need for speed in high frequency trading (HFT) intensifies, with the difference between success or failure often measured in milliseconds, a Chicago company is now linking the NYSE Euronext (NYSE:NYX) with the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ) through laser technology used in U.S. military jets -- and regulators watch developments with a wary eye.

Speed to facilitate arbitrage strategies

This March a small Chicago technology firm, Anova Technologies, plans to install laser devices linking the NYSE Euronext (NYSE:NYX)’s Mahwah, N.J. facility with the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ)’s Carteret, N.J. facility, according to a report...