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Upstairs Trade

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Upstairs Trade'

A buy or sell transaction for an exchange-listed stock that is not executed through an exchange. The upstairs trade is executed with different terms and pricing than would be available through the exchange. Some exchanges do not allow upstairs trading. The trade does not occur on the trading floor but in a separate location.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Upstairs Trade'

Upstairs trading, along with trading by dark pools and market makers, is a type of off-board trading. Off-board trading is criticized for allegedly depressing a security's public price as available through an exchange. In 2010, 30% of U.S. equities trading was off-board. These types of trades are typically large transactions that may be kept off the floor to avoid large price impacts or front running.

Related Definitions

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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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  • Over-The-Counter - OTC

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    • Dark Pool Liquidity

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    • Off Board

      A stock transaction that fits one of the following two criteria:1. A stock trade involving a security that does not trade on a major exchange, i.e., an over-the-counter (OTC) stock.2. A ...
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      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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    • Block Trade

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