Ticker Symbol

What does it Mean? 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... 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.

Terms Related Links

Delisting
Dual Listing
Exchange
Listed
Mutual Fund
Option
Stock Symbol
Tick
Ticker Tape

Terms Related Links
Financial Tables: Stock Tables/Quotes - Learn how to read stock quotes and find the information you need.

Understanding The Ticker Tape - We explain the meaning and use of that reel of symbols whizzing across your TV or computer screen.

What do all of the letters in a stock option ticker symbol mean?

Why did my stock's ticker symbol change?

How long does the letter "D" stay at the end of a stock's symbol?

Why do some stock quotes appear in bold print in the newspaper?




add investopedia foot
www.investopedia.com