Over-The-Counter Market

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Over-The-Counter Market'

A decentralized market of securities not listed on an exchange where market participants trade over the telephone, facsimile or electronic network instead of a physical trading floor. There is no central exchange or meeting place for this market.

Also referred to as the "OTC market".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Over-The-Counter Market'

In the OTC market, trading occurs via a network of middlemen, called dealers, who carry inventories of securities to facilitate the buy and sell orders of investors, rather than providing the order matchmaking service seen in specialist exchanges such as the NYSE.

Related Definitions

  • 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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  • Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board - OTCBB

    A regulated electronic trading service offered by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) that shows real-time quotes, last-sale prices and volume information for ...
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  • Electronic Communication Network - ECN

    An electronic system that attempts to eliminate the role of a third party in the execution of orders entered by an exchange market maker or an over-the-counter market maker, and permits ...
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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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    • Dealer Market

      A market where dealers are assigned for specific securities. The dealers create liquid markets by purchasing and selling against personal inventory.
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    • Penny Stock

      A stock that trades at a relatively low price and market capitalization, usually outside of the major market exchanges. These types of stocks are generally considered to be highly ...
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    • 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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    • Nasdaq

      A computerized system that facilitates trading and provides price quotations on more than 5,000 of the more actively traded over the counter stocks. Created in 1971, the Nasdaq was the ...
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    • New York Stock Exchange - NYSE

      A stock exchange based in New York City, which is considered the largest equities-based exchange in the world based on total market capitalization of its listed securities. Formerly run ...
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    • Specialist

      A member of an exchange who acts as the market maker to facilitate the trading of a given stock. The specialist holds an inventory of the stock, posts the bid and ask prices, manages ...
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