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Customer Quote by Michael Lewis

“The same system that once gave us subprime mortgage collateralized debt obligations no investor could possibly truly understand now gave us stock market trades that occurred at fractions of a penny at unsafe speeds using order types that no investor could possibly truly understand.” quote by Michael Lewis
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““The same system that once gave us subprime mortgage collateralized debt obligations no investor could possibly truly understand now gave us stock market trades that occurred at fractions of a penny at unsafe speeds using order types that no investor could possibly truly understand.””

Michael Lewis

About This Quote

Source Book: The Big Short by Michael Lewis, 2010

Complex financial instruments can become so opaque that even experts struggle to grasp their risks, yet they are used in high‑speed trading.

In simple terms: Complicated finance can be hard to understand.

Key Takeaway

Seek transparency and simplicity.

Themes

finance risk complexity

Mood

cautious critical

Type

analytical warning

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • regulatory oversight
  • risk management

Key Concepts

derivatives high‑frequency trading market opacity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can investors better assess opaque products?
  • What safeguards are needed for rapid trading?
A Different Perspective

Even experts may miss hidden dangers.

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