Bid/Ask Spread

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Bid/Ask Spread


Bid/Ask Spread


Full Definition of Bid/Ask Spread


The bid/ask spread is the difference between the price sellers are asking for and the price that buyers are willing to pay. There is a bid/ask spread in virtually any freely-traded market. For example, if the last trade on XYZ Corp. was $10.00, the current ask price might be $10.05 and the bid $9.95. This would create a bid/ask spread of 10 cents, the difference between $10.05 and $9.95. In a fast-moving market, the bid/ask spread often increases. If the perceived value of a stock is considerably higher or lower than its current price the bid/ask spread may also widen. The difference in the bid/ask spread is the profit margin for the broker or other intermediary involved in the transaction.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Bid/Ask Spread are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 4th February, 2020 | 0 Views.