GlossaryMarkets & assets

Bid-ask spread

The difference between the current bid and ask prices. It can explain small differences between broker charts and external market displays.

Do not confuse

Common comparison error

Bid-ask spread is the gap between simultaneous buy- and sell-side quotes, not necessarily a broker fee or evidence of delayed pricing.

Practical use

How to verify Bid-ask spread

Read Bid-ask spread together with Ask price, Mid-price, Last traded price. The comparison must preserve the exact rule, value, state, and evidence described below.

A neutral example

At one timestamp, EUR/USD shows bid 1.08496 and ask 1.08508, a spread of 0.00012 or 1.2 pips. Source, timestamp, and quote precision remain fixed before another platform is compared.

Evidence path

Where to verify Bid-ask spread

Use the source that governs the exact contract, account, entity, or platform state. A general definition cannot replace current broker terms.

Symbol information and market scheduleMatch the symbol to its underlying market, price source, trading hours, weekend treatment, and settlement availability.

Broker platform recordCompare the platform symbol and timestamp with the named market or provider instead of relying on the asset label alone.