Who is mysterious trader no. 588?

The camera just loves certain people — especially when it comes to unnamed New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Trader No. 588, who has become both a fixture on Getty Images and a weather vane for those tracking the financial winds. Photo editors the world over will know who I’m talking about.

Yesterday, an awe-struck 588 (pictured above) watched as the Dow Jones industrial average closed at an all-time high, beating a record set back in 2007. But that reaction was just the latest installment in 588’s long, illustrious career (documented below) as NYSE model, photographer favorite, and financial augur:

In February 2013, 588 was delighted when the Dow rose more than 149 points to close at its highest level since 2007. 

Many were nervous about the shaky fiscal-cliff negotiations raging late last year. But on Dec. 31, 2012, when the Dow Jones jumped 166 points before it closed, 588 knew better than to be worried.

June 1, 2011, when the Dow Jones closed down 279 points, was not a good day for the media’s favorite trader.

Late in the day on Aug. 31, 2010, 588 seemed resigned to the bad news that the Dow had just had its worst August performance since 2001.

588 got some good news in November 2008, when stocks suddenly rose after two days of losses.

And there you have it: several years’ worth of market ups-and-downs — captured in the shifting expressions of one trader’s photogenic face. 

Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Allison Joyce/Getty Images; Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Mario Tama/Getty Images