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How To Act Like A Trader : The Picture Show On a day when the market finally rallied, here is an exhaustively researched guide to being a trader — or at least looking like one.

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Photos: How To Act Like A Trader

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Claire O'Neill

Global financial markets have been on a wild roller-coaster ride that would test even those with nerves of steel. A popular Internet meme of the past 48 hours, a blog of traders with hands on their faces, got us thinking: What else do traders do? After exhaustive research, we have compiled this handy how-to gallery, so that even if you can't be one, you can still fit in.

  • There are a few important things you need to do to fit in with others working the trading floors.
    There are a few important things you need to do to fit in with others working the trading floors.
    Marie Hippenmeyer/AFP/Getty Images
  • It goes without saying that you will need to touch your face.
    It goes without saying that you will need to touch your face.
    Jon Levy/AFP/Getty Images
  • A lot. Even in France!
    A lot. Even in France!
    Eeric Feferberg/AFP/Getty Images
  • It also helps if you know how to point at things.
    It also helps if you know how to point at things.
    Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
  • Try screaming and pointing; maybe look happy sometimes.
    Try screaming and pointing; maybe look happy sometimes.
    Henny Ray Abrams/AFP/Getty Images
  • Or just scream!
    Or just scream!
    Gerard Julien/AFP/Getty Images
  • Whether you are happy or angry, just scream. No one can tell the difference.
    Whether you are happy or angry, just scream. No one can tell the difference.
    Paulo Whitaker/AFP/Getty Images
  • The louder the better.
    The louder the better.
    Scott Olson/AFP/Getty Images
  • But really, you should actually be very versatile in how you hold your fingers in the air.
    But really, you should actually be very versatile in how you hold your fingers in the air.
    Tim Boyle/Newsmakers
  • Even thumbs are sometimes used. Try the upward direction.
    Even thumbs are sometimes used. Try the upward direction.
    Henny Ray Abrams/AFP/Getty Images
  • And sometimes you should use several fingers.
    And sometimes you should use several fingers.
    Scott Olson/AFP/Getty Images
  • Other times you will need to hold fingers up while also having several phone conversations about things.
    Other times you will need to hold fingers up while also having several phone conversations about things.
    Scott Olson/AFP/Getty Images
  • This is common practice.
    This is common practice.
    Scott Olson/AFP/Getty Images
  • In fact, you probably don't want to get caught using just one phone.
    In fact, you probably don't want to get caught using just one phone.
    Doug Kanter/AFP/Getty Images
  • It's always good to have some cartoon characters around.
    It's always good to have some cartoon characters around.
    Henny Ray Abrams/AFP/Getty Images
  • They are good for morale.
    They are good for morale.
    Henny Ray Abrams/AFP/Getty Images
  • Things can get stressful, so sometimes you can take your hands off your face and stretch out.
    Things can get stressful, so sometimes you can take your hands off your face and stretch out.
    Hector Mata/AFP/Getty Images
  • Or heck, give someone a back rub. It's a tough world out there.
    Or heck, give someone a back rub. It's a tough world out there.
    Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
  • Don't be afraid to let loose a bit. Blowing bubbles is also good for morale.
    Don't be afraid to let loose a bit. Blowing bubbles is also good for morale.
    Henny Ray Abrams/AFP/Getty Images
  • Fist-pumping occurs on occasion.
    Fist-pumping occurs on occasion.
    Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images
  • Fist-pumping while on the phone is an advanced technique.
    Fist-pumping while on the phone is an advanced technique.
    Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images
  • And at the end of the day, feel free to flat-out trash the place. Simply throw paper everywhere; then try to look really, really tired and dejected.
    And at the end of the day, feel free to flat-out trash the place. Simply throw paper everywhere; then try to look really, really tired and dejected.
    Chris Hondros/Newsmakers

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