Processing speed

Concentrating on how fast we process data is a dangerous and unhealthy trap. Rather like fast food, we don't consider what we're consuming, and fall foul of the carb rush.

Instant gratification.

We're entering (if not already in) an era where processing faster is ceasing to be an advantage. Except, maybe on trading floors, where milliseconds enables us to take advantage in a passing, temporary trade. It doesn't add any real value to the stock being traded.

In areas of rather more substance, the data is valuable but partial. It will tell us where we've been (though maybe not why), but is a poor indicator for anything other than the very short term of where we're headed.

Like the carb rush though, it's as addictive as it is unhealthy.

Data is great for those judged on their operational strategy. Lots of numbers, comparisons, forecast returns. We become seduced and blinded by the beauty of the numbers, and judge the strategy at speed. Read the executive summary, maybe scan the rest. Compare t…