How Financial Reform Could Benefit Wall Street

Rumblings about financial reform are rising. But some traders say they like what they've heard so far. Placing derivatives on exchanges, for example, may present a large new financial opportunity for the exchanges. "It's a $600 billion vehicle," says Alan Valdes of DME Securities.

Ultimately, though, the move is aimed at benefiting both Wall Street and Main Street by ushering more transparency and faith into the markets. "We want people to trust Wall Street and get on board," Valdes says.

Light trading volume despite a sharp recent rally is evidence of the doubts that retail investors still harbor, Valdes says: "Main Street is a little skeptical of Wall Street, and I don't blame them."