Ticker Symbol

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Ticker Symbol'

An arrangement of characters (usually letters) representing a particular security listed on an exchange or otherwise traded publicly. When a company issues securities to the public marketplace, it selects an available ticker symbol for its securities which investors use to place trade orders. Every listed security has a unique ticker symbol, facilitating the vast array of trade orders that flow through the financial markets every day.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Ticker Symbol'

Stock symbols are the most recognized type of ticker symbol. Stocks listed and traded on U.S. exchanges such as the NYSE have symbols with up to three letters. Nasdaq-listed stocks have four-letter symbols.

Ticker symbols for options are structured to represent the underlying stock ticker they are based on and also their expiration date and contract type (either a put or a call option). Mutual fund ticker symbols are usually alphanumeric and end with the letter X to differentiate them from stock symbols.

Related Definitions

  • Stock Symbol

    A unique series of letters assigned to a security for trading purposes. NYSE and AMEX listed stocks have three characters or less. Nasdaq-listed securities have four or five characters. ...
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    A computerized device that relays financial information to investors around the world, including the stock symbol, the latest price and the volume on securities as they are traded.
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  • Tick

    The minimum upward or downward movement in the price of a security. The term "tick" also refers to the change in the price of a security from trade to trade. Since 2001, with the advent ...
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    • Listed

      Being included and traded on a given exchange. Most exchanges have specific requirements which companies must meet in order to be listed and continue to stay listed.
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    • Delisting

      The removal of a listed security from the exchange on which it trades. Stock is removed from an exchange because the company for which the stock is issued, whether voluntarily or ...
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    • Dual Listing

      When a company's securities are listed on more than one exchange for the purpose of adding liquidity to the shares and allowing investors greater choice in where they can trade their ...
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    • Exchange

      A marketplace in which securities, commodities, derivatives and other financial instruments are traded. The core function of an exchange - such as a stock exchange - is to ensure fair ...
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    • Option

      A financial derivative that represents a contract sold by one party (option writer) to another party (option holder). The contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to ...
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    • Mutual Fund

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    • Hard-Coded Stock

      This is a term that refers to a company's stock symbol or ticker symbol. Every security listed anywhere on the globe has a unique symbol for the security. Knowing the symbol allows ...
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