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Five Tips for This Election Season

By Jim Toes

STA President and CEO


As those who follow the news closely are probably aware, there will soon be an election in the United States. Partisanship is high and we’re all being bombarded with fiercely negative ads and constant pleas for campaign contributions.


In this polarized environment, it’s easy to become discouraged about the state of our political discourse and what the aftermath will look like. As Election Day approaches, here a few things to keep in mind:


1) Buy hope, sell fear.

Political strategies are based on delivering messages of either fear or hope. As financial professionals, we know fear. We fight it every day. We know the damage it does and are aware of the ability of individuals to instill it in others. We also know hope and how credible, inspirational messages can lead to confidence and help overcome dire situations. In this election cycle, fear is omnipresent, like an overbought stock in a bubble state. Hope, on the other hand, has been beaten down and oversold. Both these trends can be reversed, and they often do break when people least expect them to. So, stay positive, buy hope and sell fear.


2) Educate yourself and vote! 

The emotions of election season can certainly be discouraging, but don’t disengage from the process. Voting is our civic duty and we owe it to those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure we have this right. Even if you live in a state where you don’t think your vote is going to have any effect on who is elected president, there are still congressional, state and local choices for you to make. You should also keep in mind that politicians cater to voters. If 40% of eligible voters in your town vote compared to 80% of eligible voters in the next town over, which town do you think is more likely to receive resources? So, if you’re considering skipping the polling station on November 5th please please rethink that decision. Instead, take what time remains to learn about the candidates' policies and vote!


3) Be gracious.

As professionals and individuals, we are often defined by our response to turbulent events. No matter how this election season plays out, we encourage you to think about what civic engagement and healthy political discourse looks like to you – and then pursue it. Whether your candidate wins or loses, be gracious in your response and actions to each others.


4) STA is bipartisan.

No matter what the political landscape may look like on January 20, 2025, STA’s mission will remain the same. We are here to represent the securities industry and the interests of you, our members. For decades, STA has proudly worked with politicians from both side sides of the aisle, and we will continue to do so. That includes helping you make sense of any shifts in legislative and regulatory personnel or trends that may result from the election.


5) Meteorologists worldwide are in agreement that the sun will rise on Wednesday, Nov. 6. 

We may not know who the next president will be on that day, but we will eventually. And life will go on.



New Open Call Available Now!


The 2024 Elections – What’s at Stake?


As the 2024 elections approach, voters face a pivotal moment in U.S. political history. This Open Call dives into the key races that will shape our nation’s future, including that of the financial services industry. These races include the Presidential election, as well as crucial Senate and House races that could shift the balance of power in Congress. This Open Call also covers the major party candidates, their policies, and the Presidential race.

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2025 Abridged Sponsorship Prospectus


While we're still a couple of months away from kicking off a new year, we recognize that many of you are planning and budgeting now for 2025. That's why we've created an abridged version of our 2025 Sponsorship Prospectus!


Please note that three of the four levels of sponsorship include representation on select STA Advisory Committees (Listed Options, ETFs, Market Structure) for the entire 2025 calendar year. Learn more about the opportunities below!

2025 Abridged Sponsorship Prospectus

Upcoming STA Affiliate Events

STA Chicago Members Only Event

November 7

Punch Bowl Social

Chicago, IL


ITAP Virtual Thanksgiving Wine Tasting

November 13

Loot8 (virtual)


STA Arizona Chapter Kick-Off Happy Hour

November 15

Orange Sky Restaurant

Scottsdale, AZ


STANY Emerging Leaders AI Symposium

November 18

The Down Town Association

New York, NY

STA Affiliate Events

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Making Strides in Women's Health and Wellness


As we near the end of the month, you have likely seen announcements, fundraisers, and more throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have someone in our lives who has been impacted by breast cancer - while we recognize the symbolic pink ribbon almost anywhere, it's crucial for us to take a step back and recognize how initatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month push us to be agents of change for the advancement of women worldwide. Read more

Changing the Face of Financial Services:

Elaine Chui, Director and Senior Risk Manager, Global Markets, Bank of America


Check out the newest edition featuring Elaine Chui, Director and Senior Risk Manager, Global Markets at Bank of America. Read more

STA in the News


The Pros and Cons for Investors of Nonstop Trading as NYSE Looks to Go 22 Hours a Day

CNBC

Is there demand for after hours trading? Jim Toes, CEO of the Security Traders Association, an industry group, told CNBC the application “seems very premature as the demand by investors for overnight and weekend exchange trading is speculative.” Read here

Is 24/7 Trading Inevitable?

Markets Media

Jim Toes, President & Chief Executive of STA, said in a blog that one of the takeaways from the trade body’s market structure conference last month was that 24-hour trading appears inevitable. The STA conference hosted a panel which included Blue Ocean Technologies, Imperative Execution, Liquidnet and OTC Markets who discussed 24-hour trading. Read here

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