Grey Market

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Grey Market'

1. A market where a product is bought and sold outside of the manufacturer's authorized trading channels.

2. The unofficial trading of a company's shares, usually before they are issued in an initial public offering (IPO).
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Grey Market'

1. For example, if a store owner is an unauthorized dealer of a certain high-end electronics brand, the product is considered to be sold in the grey market. If the product is illegal, it would be selling on the "black market".  

2. The grey market is an over-the-counter market where dealers may execute orders for preferred customers as well as provide support for a new issue before it is actually issued. This activity allows underwriters and the issuer to determine demand and price the securities accordingly before the IPO.

Related Definitions

  • Dealer

    1. An individual or firm willing to buy or sell securities for their own account.2. One who purchases goods or services for resale to consumers.
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  • Issue

    1. The process of offering securities as an attempt to raise funds. Companies may issue bonds or shares to investors as a method of financing the business. 2. A series of stocks or bonds ...
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  • Listed Security

    A financial instrument that is traded through an exchange, such as the NYSE or Nasdaq. When a private company decides to go public and issue shares, it will need to choose an exchange on ...
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    • Over-The-Counter - OTC

      A security traded in some context other than on a formal exchange such as the NYSE, TSX, AMEX, etc. The phrase "over-the-counter" can be used to refer to stocks that trade via a dealer ...
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    • Unlisted Security

      A security that is not traded on an exchange, usually because of an inability to meet listing requirements.
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    • Initial Public Offering - IPO

      The first sale of stock by a private company to the public. IPOs are often issued by smaller, younger companies seeking the capital to expand, but can also be done by large privately ...
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    • Underwriting

      1. The process by which investment bankers raise investment capital from investors on behalf of corporations and governments that are issuing securities (both equity and debt). 2. The ...
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