Ask has a particular significance in relation to IG's platform. Here, we define ask in general investing and explain what it means to you when trading with IG.
Ask definition
The ask refers to the price at which you can buy an asset or security from a seller. It can be variously referred to as ask, the ask, or asking price.
With IG
When trading with IG, the ask will be the price you need to pay in order to buy a particular asset: so we usually refer to it as the ‘buy’ price. As such, it will always be the higher of the two prices listed on our platform. If EUR/USD has a spread of 1.0443/1.0445, for example, 1.0445 would be the ask.
The opposite of the ask – the price at which you can sell an asset or security to a buyer – is referred to as the sell price, or the bid. The difference between the two is the ‘spread’.
Elsewhere
If you are trading a market that cannot be sold (like bitcoin on certain exchanges), only the ask price will be available. If you are selling an asset to another person and setting the price yourself, that will be referred to as the ask.
Once again, the opposite of the ask is the bid: or the price at which a trader is willing to buy a certain financial instrument. Trades are executed when a matching ask and bid are found.
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