Sydney
Tokyo
London
New York
Next Open:
Essential

Bid

The price at which a buyer is willing to purchase a security.

Definition

The bid price is the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a security. When you want to sell, you receive the bid price. The bid is always lower than the ask, with the difference being the spread.

How It Works

  • Quote: 1.1000 (bid) / 1.1002 (ask)
  • Sell orders execute at the bid
  • Bid = left-hand side of quote
  • Market makers buy at bid, sell at ask

Trading Tips

1

Watch bid when closing long positions

2

Bid can drop sharply in panic selling

3

Wider spreads mean lower bids relative to ask

Back to Glossary
Start Trading

Put Your Knowledge Into Practice

Compare regulated brokers and find the best one for your trading style.