Datek appears to be in real trouble from what I have read
I would beg to differ, and have speculated an explanation for the events surrounding this whole situation which at least makes sense in my mind.
I think the investigations with Datek are because Datek has managed to upset some of the big boys with their farsighted and quick success, having tapped into a key new market made available though emerging technologies (SSL).
I also believe that Datek had short shares when no one else did, because of their relationship with TMF. While Jeff Fisher was pumping the stock, Datek, though their business relationship with TMF (all TMF stories go directly to Datek newsfeed, so when one clicks on 'stock news' for any particular issue, the TMF stories quite often appear) was getting lots of buy orders on AMZN from naive newbie investors. Thus as they held a large number of newly purchased shares, they had shares available to loan for shorting when few others did.
There is no TMF-Datek "conspiracy" in my mind, the situation was just that of a naive, possibly self serving, bean-counter turned journalist having made a mistake. I also think TMFJeff is showing evidence of having quickly learned some important and valuable lessons from this one. He has since dramatically changed his stance on the stock, although not quite from bull to bear, he is now describing AMZN as a "learning experience".
Also, I think we are seeing a great new age dawning. An age of direct market participation by average Americans, fluid capital flow to deserving, undervalued and visionary enterprises, and the collapse of the big money big brother know it all market manipulating investment houses.
But again this is all quite speculative and just MHOs.
I also believe that we are all actively participating in unfolding events of historical importance. Someone pointed out on TMF their thought that AMZN will reappear in 2002 as a footnote in an undergraduate economic textbook on stock 'crazes' which occurred during the 'early years' of the internet stock frenzy. It will be a very small footnote, right below tulips in holland, RCA in the 30's, and Biotechs in the 70's. I am highly sympathetic to this line of view.
Good luck to one and all!
-- Zaxbowow :)
P.S. I have no personal evidence of new shares having come available to short. My MSDW broker has been checking every day, and I've been checking every day on Datek, to no avail. Who do you know of that is getting these cherished and rare commodities? ;) |
