量化交易新规落地，高频交易戴上“紧箍咒”

Core Viewpoint - The new regulations on algorithmic trading, effective from July 7, 2023, aim to impose precise supervision on high-frequency trading and strict constraints on abnormal trading, reshaping the market ecology and promoting the standardized development of the quantitative industry [1][4][19]. Summary by Relevant Sections High-Frequency Trading Regulation - The new regulations define high-frequency trading as any account making 300 or more orders per second or exceeding 20,000 orders per day, which will be subject to differentiated fees and additional reporting requirements [3][5][14]. - The regulations aim to suppress short-term speculation by limiting behaviors such as frequent order cancellations and manipulative trading, thereby reducing false liquidity and irrational market fluctuations [5][6]. Cost Implications - High-frequency trading strategies may see a decline in profitability by 30% to 50%, with smaller private equity firms facing elimination due to increased compliance costs [6][11]. - The introduction of a 1 yuan order fee and a 5 yuan cancellation fee will raise the breakeven point for high-frequency strategies by 30% to 50% [6][19]. Market Structure Changes - The regulations are expected to consolidate the advantages of leading quantitative firms that primarily use medium to low-frequency strategies, while smaller firms relying on high-frequency strategies may need to transition or exit the market [6][11]. - The overall market concentration is likely to increase, as smaller firms with insufficient technical reserves face pressure to adapt or exit [6][19]. Market Ecology Optimization - The regulations are anticipated to improve liquidity quality by reducing deceptive trading practices, allowing genuine supply and demand to be more accurately reflected in prices [6][11]. - The fairness of the market is expected to enhance as the technical advantages of high-frequency trading diminish, thereby protecting the interests of smaller investors [6][11]. Impact on Trading Volume - On the first day of the new regulations, the trading volume in the two markets decreased by over 200 billion yuan, indicating a potential impact on quantitative trading activities [8][9]. - Despite the drop, some market participants believe that the trading volume remained high, suggesting that the market's response to the new regulations may be within normal parameters [10][11]. Long-Term Industry Outlook - The new regulations are seen as a step towards a more transparent and fair market, promoting the sustainable development of the quantitative industry [16][19]. - The focus of competition in the quantitative sector is shifting from speed to the effectiveness of strategies, with an increasing emphasis on fundamental factors [19].