What it means
The spread is a basic transaction cost and a quick signal of market tightness or looseness.
What to watch
Spreads often widen during thin liquidity and volatile conditions, which can quietly change trade economics.
Glossary
Bid-Ask Spread
The difference between the highest bid and lowest ask at a given moment.
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Glossary
Slippage
The difference between expected execution price and actual execution price.
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Liquidity
How easily a market can absorb orders without causing large price changes.
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Commission and Slippage Calculator
Estimate the real all-in cost of a trade once commission, fees, contracts, and slippage all show up.
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