Forum Archive Index - September 2001

["G Stolwyk" <stolwyk@wave.co.nz>]

 

Reference: " Teletext and the 40 index." of 1 April 2001.

 

1. Introduction.

Teletext is useful because one can look quickly at a vast array of share prices, while watching TV.

 

Updates appear every 10 minutes or so and the investor does not have to contact his/ her broker, trying to find out the latest price of a stock, before placing an order.

 

Frequently, the quoted price may not be satisfactory and he may have to contact the broker again for a further update.

 

Or, he feels that he should not worry the broker too often and he places an order at the wrong time.

 

He does not want to switch on his computer - if he has one - for extracting a share price. To do so will contribute to higher power usage and depreciation and should be avoided.

 

2. Past delivery by Teletext.

I have been in touch with Teletext over the years. First, when there was a financial editor who was stationed in Christchurch.

 

I had to implore him to include a new company at listing time as this was the time when fortunes could be made or lost.

 

( Frequently, the reader did not see the stock on the Teletext Board till some six hours after listing by the Stock exchange or the next day or later, and then only after I mentioned it ).

 

Later, the responsibilities were shifted to Auckland. For a time, the delivery was satisfactory although Teletext was still not proactive in the preparation of space for a new listing.

 

Some time ago, breakdowns became more frequent and I contacted them again. Teletext explained that there was new equipment on the way and that would solve the problems.

 

Summary: The teletext system, when working, will save a lot of money. I have spent time and money contacting them from time to time. I don't think that Teletext was sufficiently aware of any financial costs incurred due to malfunction or inattention.     

 

3. Latest developments.

I contacted Teletext this morning and asked the Business Manager about the ongoing problems.

 

After some discussion, she said that she would send an email . She is aware that it will be published on this Forum.

 

Gerry