Colt - 2005 New Year, New Highs.............

I was reading an article on the FT.com about the Japanese FSA clamping down on margin trading. I was wondering how margin trading had affected numerous stocks like Colt, CW, BT, VOD, AZN, PRTY, CPG and many others.

Does anyone know what the stats are for new CFD traders or spread-betters surviving 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? Making a profit?

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TSE considers stricter margin trading rules
By Mariko Sanchanta in Tokyo
Published: December 27 2005 09:18 | Last updated: December 27 2005 09:18

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is considering tightening stock margin trading rules, in a move that could significantly impact the amount of trading conducted by retail investors.

The world’s second-largest bourse has conducted hearings with Japan’s leading brokerages regarding the possible move, inquiring whether their systems could adequately cope with tighter margin trading regulations.

A TSE official said on Tuesday the bourse was concerned that margin trading – which enables investors to trade shares in amounts exceeding the cash or stock they have on hand – was causing the market to overheat.

“Margin trading does not reflect real demand and supply, because the amount of leverage used is high,” said the TSE official. “The market becomes speculative.” It is estimated that margin trading accounts for 20 per cent of all activity on the TSE.

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