Opening Price
Definition of 'Opening Price'The price at which a security first trades upon the opening of an exchange on a given trading day. A security's opening price is an important marker for that day's trading activity, especially for those interested in measuring short-term results, such as day traders. Additionally, securities, which experience very large intra-day gains and losses, will have those swings measured relative to their opening price for the day. |
|
Investopedia explains 'Opening Price'Quite commonly, a security's opening price will not be identical to its closing price. This is due to after-hours trading and to changes in investor valuations or expectations of the security occurring outside of trading hours. Nasdaq uses an approach called the "opening cross," to decide on a price level that would serve as the best opening price, given the orders that have accumulated overnight. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
The NYSE And Nasdaq: How They Work
Learn some of the important differences in the way these exchanges operate and the securities that trade on them. -
The Nitty-Gritty Of Executing A Trade
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when you buy or sell a stock? Read on and find out! -
Getting To Know The Stock Exchanges
Here are the answers to all the questions you have about stock exchanges but are too afraid to ask! -
Why don't stocks begin trading at the previous day's closing price?
Most stock exchanges work according to the forces of supply and demand, which determine the prices at which stocks are bought and sold. What this means is that no trade can occur until one participant ... -
A Top-Down Approach To Investing
Use a global view to determine which stocks belong in your portfolio. -
A Look At Primary And Secondary Markets
Knowing how the primary and secondary markets work is key to understanding how stocks trade. -
Invest With A Thesis
Writing down a thesis for every investment may seem almost too simple to be effective, but lessons from behavioral finance tell us that bias and fear of loss often cloud our views, even for the ... -
The Basics Of The Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is essentially a negotiation in progress. To be successful, traders must be willing to take a stand and walk away in the bid-ask process through limit orders. -
How Bitcoin Works
Bitcoin is a digital currency that exists almost wholly in the virtual realm, unlike physical currencies like dollars and euros. A growing number of proponents support its use as an alternative ... -
Quit Your Job To Trade Stocks?
Ready to quit your day job and become a full-time trader? These tips will help you determine your area of expertise.
Free Annual Reports