Google
Then, it happened.
Somewhat inexplicably at first, Google went from reclaiming the $400 mile marker to plunging sharply to close at $341.43, all in a matter of seconds.
It was a mistake. The double-digit percentage loss was the result of errant trades routed from another exchange, according to a chagrined Nasdaq OMX
The end result is that the exchange is canceling all trades placed between 3:57 p.m. and 4:02 p.m. and resetting Google's price at $400.52 a stub.
That's bad news for potential buyers who thought they had their limit orders filled in the low $300s, and great news for those who cashed out in panic or had stop-loss orders triggered as a result of the faux free-fall.
I guess my heart goes out to the value hunters being denied. I pointed out how Google was a steal after Monday's deluge -- joining other tech bellwethers like Apple
It didn't last. Apparently, it never even counted.
The next few trading days will be volatile. Investors can count on that. It wouldn't surprise me to see Google hit both the $300 and $500 price points later this year. However, let the trading swings be earned.
Trading platforms aren't perfect. Thankfully, exchanges like Nasdaq and NYSE Euronext
Trading in Google is plenty wild without yesterday afternoon's theatrics.
Is Google's next stop $300 or $500? Chime in on the comment box below.
Other ways to answer the door when investing opportunities knock: