THE QUICK AND THE AGILE

摘要

A lot of small players are using their one advantage-nimble -ness-to exploit the recession by rolling out new products and services. With credit tight, they're able to make big bets by quickly shifting resources and employees to meet changing demands.rnOne player gaining ground is BATS Global Markets, a Lenaxa (Kan.) outfit that has used superfast computer technology-especially suited to trading firms that buy and sell huge quantities of securities at a time-to become the nation'srnthird-largest stock exchange in just three years. In May, BATS (short for Better Alternative Trading System) handled 10.2% of all the equities trading in the U.S., up from 8.5% a year before. The company has expanded into London and is exploring opportunities in Canada and the Pacific Rim. CEO Joe Ratterman says "firms that are flexible and don't carry a lot of overhead can often take the ball and run with it while the bigger firms have to pull back."