/biz/ - Business & Finance

Can any veterans answer a few questions?

>Are options guaranteed sales at a price as opposed to current market value? If not, what's their advantage over normal trading?
>What determines Market Value, especially in companies that are extremely liquid?
>Who the hell loses so much if you're making money on swing trades and day trading?
>How are dividends determined? Do you have to be vested at a certain time or for a certain length of time?
>Where can I do my own research on companies to find info on whether dividends are available or on what they do?
>How does a company's market value affect them on a quarterly basis if all the money is transferred between traders and brokerages?