At the closing of the Stock Market, why do they all clap?

Question

When I've seen this televised, mostly on the news, the money monkeys all seem to clap deliriously at the ringing of the bell, seemingly regardless of what economical mess they might just have laid. What are they clapping about? Is it just some sort of over-done politeness, congratulating each other for the huge wads of money they just made?

Answer 1

Another day, another dollar.

Answer 2

The stress of the pits is extreme.  They are clapping because it has ended for a few brief hours.

Answer 3

It is a ritual; they have a different guest dignitary to perform the closing ceremony each day.

Answer 4

I agree with the stress being resolved. Except for after hours trading.  It is more of an appreciation of the harm being contained or the reward being out-sized to the positions in place.   I would not call the worker on the floor of the NYSE ""money monkeys."  The have an insight into the direction of the market that exceeds that of any academic.   Contrary Hollywood's view, there is a great deal of intelligence and difficult work associated with floor trading. Did you buy or sell at the right time on the day in question  Did you make the order that was at the best price available.  Just mention some of the obvious mistakes that can be made each day in the art of trading.

Answer 5

Americans clap anything.

Answer 6

I think it is because now they can go to the bar and have a couple of drinks to either celebrate their day's gains or to drown the day's sorrows.  

Answer 7

relieved :) that it's all over :)