Investopedia

Soft Market

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Soft Market'

A market that has more potential sellers than buyers. A soft market can describe an entire industry, such as the retail market, or a specific asset, such as lumber. This is often referred to as a buyer's market, as the purchasers hold much of the power in negotiations.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Soft Market'

A soft market can lead to rapid drops in prices as sellers compete to find buyers. Prices will fall as the excess of supply over demand increases. For example, assume that 20 houses are put up for sale and 15 possible buyers enter the market. Five of these houses will not be sold, assuming each buyer purchases one house. This forces the 20 house sellers to compete on price in order to attract a buyer. As a result, this type of housing market would be called soft.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Where's The Market Headed Now?

    Whether up, down or sideways, learn about some of the factors that drive stock market moves.
  2. Understanding Supply-Side Economics

    Does the amount of goods and services produced set the pace for economic growth? Here are the arguments.
  3. Recession: What Does It Mean To Investors?

    Understanding the business cycle and your own investment style can help you cope with an economic decline.
  4. Economics Basics

    Learn economics principles such as the relationship of supply and demand, elasticity, utility, and more!
  5. Economic Indicators To Know

    The economy has a large impact on the market. Learn how to interpret the most important reports.
  6. What is a stock ticker?

    A stock ticker is a report of the price for certain securities, updated continuously throughout the trading session by the various stock exchanges. A "tick" is any change in price, whether that ...
  7. Institutional Investors

    Learn more about the advantages that financial institutions enjoy when buying and selling securities.
  8. Weighted Average

    Learn how to weigh the relative importances of data points in a calculated average.
  9. Bid-Ask Spread

    Find out more about this frequently referenced, but often misunderstood, term used to describe the price at which a stock is bought or sold at.
  10. Why Is Liquidity Important?

    Learn more on why liquidity is important to consider when examining a stock, next to its share price.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  2. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  3. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  4. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  5. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  6. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
Trading Center