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Ever wonder what those crazy hand signals are that traders use? Here's a primer from Britain:

With the introduction of electronic trading, hand signals have disappeared from the London Stock Exchange. But traders on some exchange floors around the world still like to wave their hands and fingers about to strike a deal.

Hands out in front but pulling towards you: I'm buying

Hands out in front, palms out, pushing away: I'm selling

Combination of finger signals indicates the buying/selling price (a closed fist indicates a zero). Then,

Touch the face: signals the amount to buy/sell

Finger to chin: multiples of 1

Finger to forehead: multiples of 10

Fist to forehead: multiples of 100

I'm afraid I'd accidentally buying 10 billion shares of something.

Posted by edelfenbein at October 17, 2008 10:16 AM