General

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Autolykos — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:06:19 GMT

What exactly do you mean by "Wall Street"? I'd say that stock trading would surely exist in a free society, although it might be different in some ways from how it is today.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

filc — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:17:17 GMT

limitgov:

"You can't know what street names people will use in the future."

lol....+1

We may not have streets! Wall Hoverblock here we come! WallPlanet!

I am not convinced that stock markets would be less centralized. Especially given our continued improved ability to communicate. I do however not expect it to be centrally managed, from a single beuracratic entity. It may function more like organizations such as IETF, or IEEE.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

No2statism — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:56:56 GMT

We've never had a free market in the u.s.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Merlin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:29:12 GMT

"Wall street" originated in the freest market of its time, hence sure it would axist, and indeed grow, under anarchy.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

eliotn — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:38:40 GMT

"Can you guys elaborate on why Wall Street would be reduced or eliminated in a free society?"

It could be reduced because people compete and provide other places to trade investments. Or people don't use a centralized place for trading investments.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Ricky James Moore II — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:38:08 GMT

Mises considered the stock market to be the key difference between a socialist and a market economy.

It is true that the modern stock market is artificially constrained by the State, and channeled into Wall Street investment firms.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

limitgov — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:32:59 GMT

"You can't know what street names people will use in the future."

lol....+1

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Scrooge McDuck — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:59:48 GMT

Can you guys elaborate on why Wall Street would be reduced or eliminated in a free society?

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

krazy kaju — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:29:14 GMT

Would "Wall Street" exist... Probably. But I have a feeling that trading stocks, bonds, etc. would be much more decentralized in a free society.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Nielsio — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:08:31 GMT

You can't know what street names people will use in the future.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

John Q — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:52:34 GMT

Esuric:

Yes, of course it would. The valuation of capital is extremely essential to any functional economic system. It wouldn't be nearly as lucrative as it is now, but that's another matter altogether.

I agree. I believe the question needs re-phrased due to the tacit assumptions it makes in its current form.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

Esuric — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:49:40 GMT

Yes, of course it would. The valuation of capital is extremely essential to any functional economic system. It wouldn't be nearly as lucrative as it is now, but that's another matter altogether.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

No2statism — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:35:58 GMT

I would say no. Not nearly to the extent is does today. If it did, it would only be temporary, because there would be no govt to perpetuate it.

Re: Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

fakename — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:34:56 GMT

At some point it probably would exist.

Would Wall Street Exist in a Free Society?

limitgov — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:32:11 GMT

Lets say freedom spread like wildfire...and we started getting rid of government on all levels....free society...

would wall street still exist?

Gordon Geckko wants to know