Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design • Hacker News Board

Re: Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design

#81

Post by kulkarnic » Tue, Jun 09, 2026, 4:24 AM UTC

vitalikpie wrote: post #56

dmurray wrote: post #54

> So, unless you are a Spanish trader from the 16th century or have a book with fractional stocks from the 90s, HandsOnMoney will serve you well. US treasury futures are still priced in 32nds of a dollar increments. Sorry, that's not true, they're quoted in 32nds, but sometimes priced in half-, quarter- or eighth-32nds. One might trade at 105-22.5, which means 105 and 45/64ths. https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/intere…

God damn it! I did not bother to check the treasury. Thank you for catching mistake - I will correct it. I knew there will be something to hunt minor units.

Treasuries, MBS, most non-corporate bonds all trade in eighths or 64ths. Coupon rates are in eighths as well.

Commodities I think no longer do, but did until recently.

Re: Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design

#82

Post by benj111 » Tue, Jun 09, 2026, 9:11 AM UTC

cett wrote: post #65

Reminds me a bit of how in the UK the guinea coin ceased to circulate decades ago but it's still used for bidding on racehorse auctions. 1 guinea = 1.05 pounds You purchase the horse in guineas, seller gets paid in pounds, auctioneer keeps the missing 5% as commission.

The guinea was also seen as posher. So guineas were used as a social indicator

Re: Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design

#83

Post by benj111 » Tue, Jun 09, 2026, 9:17 AM UTC

>Computers are not good with fractions.

You're introducing a currency that does 1/8ths. A computer can handle that a lot better than decimal.

Re: Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design

#84

Post by lastorset » Tue, Jun 09, 2026, 1:07 PM UTC

gostsamo wrote: post #3

Feels ai generated and waste of time to read even though the topic could be interesting.

So surprised to see people saying this. AI articles tend to be soulless, smooth and samey, this one has quirk, nerdy charm and personality.

Re: Spanish traders set the standard for GnuCash database design

#85

Post by gus_massa » Tue, Jun 09, 2026, 1:28 PM UTC

benj111 wrote: post #82

cett wrote: post #65

Reminds me a bit of how in the UK the guinea coin ceased to circulate decades ago but it's still used for bidding on racehorse auctions. 1 guinea = 1.05 pounds You purchase the horse in guineas, seller gets paid in pounds, auctioneer keeps the missing 5% as commission.

The guinea was also seen as posher. So guineas were used as a social indicator

I agree.

[Time sink warning] [Fractions warning]

There is an interesting video by Lindybeige that explains the old British coin system. The part about the guinea is at minute 42, and in particular explains why it was worth 21 instead of 20.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=R2paSGQRwvo