When I came across that thing about algorithmic trading in the UK requiring FCA authorization, I was halfway through a sausage and thought, “What’s that got to do with us?” Then I looked down and saw $JCT had jumped 141 points. I was fucking stunned. My position was only worth 2,300 yuan, and that morning I’d been wondering whether I’d have enough for next month’s rent. Then it just shot up in one go, and I didn’t even have time to react. I stared at the top-movers list for thirty seconds before remembering my order was still sitting way below. The fees, though, got deducted faster than anything. Honestly, I just don’t understand this market. During earnings season, when the Dow dropped more than 600 points, my account was still in the green. Now it’s actually slipped into the red—but I really don’t dare chase it.