Upstairs Market
Definition of 'Upstairs Market'The trading of securities, such as stocks, that occurs within a broker-dealer firm instead of at an exchange, such as a stock exchange, or between two broker-dealers in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. In an upstairs market transaction, the broker-dealer typically represents both parties (buyer and seller). |
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Investopedia explains 'Upstairs Market'An upstairs market exists when trading occurs within a broker-dealer firm and not through a regular exchange such as a stock exchange. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prohibits this type of trading activity if the prices given to customers are less favorable than the prices available to customers in the general market. |
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