Explore high-frequency trading (HFT) and low-latency trading systems in C++ through a comprehensive performance analysis in this 48-minute conference talk. Dive into micro-optimization techniques, examining the quirks in generated assembler across different compiler versions. Understand static branch prediction, its applications, and the intricacies of switch statements in a simple FIX-to-MIT/BIT trading system. Compare performance across various operating systems and challenge common beliefs about Spectre and Meltdown mitigations. Gain insights into hardware impacts, including AMD Bulldozer architecture, and learn how to leverage C++'s optimization capabilities for performance-critical systems in the financial trading domain.