‘Most Photographed’ NYSE Trader Shares His Coronavirus Survival Story

What will New York Stock Exchange trader Peter Tuchman do once he returns to the floor?

"I don't think hugging is going to be the first thing," said Tuchman, who tested positive for the coronavirus last month. "I'd probably throw my hands up in the air with a big smile and just be grateful that I made it back down there."

Tuchman, 62, has been a trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for 35 years. Known by many as the stock exchange's "most photographed trader," Tuchman stands out with his Einstein-like tufts of white hair and expressive face. But like many across America, Tuchman hasn't worked in weeks. He's been home, flighting the coronavirus. 

In an interview with TheStreet, Tuchman shares that, after a long battle, he is on the other side of COVID-19. "I'm about 35 days into this journey of COVID and obviously I'm doing much better than I had been," he said.

"I have some residual damage, some nerve damage, and collateral damage to the body," he added. "It's going to be a long recovery. But I'm definitely on the mend up, I've turned the corner so I'm getting better a day at a time."

Tuchman, while staying quarantined at his home, has been sharing his recovery experience on social media.

"I came close to needing a respirator, but I never did. Luckily, Tuchman was able to stay at home for the duration of his recovery. "Nothing good was happening in New York hospitals, and obviously around the world and also around the United States," he said.

Now, Tuchman's got his heart set on returning to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. "I love that room. I love the energy. I love the institution. I like to interact with other human beings. I love the human element on the floor," he said.

The New York Stock Exchange's trading floor has been closed since March 23 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and no date has been announced on when it will re-open. 

"I look forward to trading that first share of stock," Tuchman said.

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