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Electronic Communication Network. ECNs are expected to supplement or even replace conventional stock exchanges over the next one to two years.

This is an abbreviation of a stock’s price-to-earnings ratio. The price-to-earnings ratio is a stock’s share price divided by earnings per share for the company’s most recent four quarters. A projected P/E divides the share price by estimated earnings per share for the coming four quarters.

A brisk rise in the general price level of the market or price of a stock.

An order to buy or sell stock at a specified price. The order can be executed only at the specified price or better. A limit order sets the maximum price the client is willing to pay as a buyer, and the minimum price they are willing to accept as a seller.

Developing countries.

The ratio of put trading volume divided by the call trading volume. For example, a put/call ratio of 0.74 means that for every 100 calls bought, 74 puts were bought. It is a contrary indicator. A reading of 1.0 or more is very bullish as most people think the market is going down. When the majority thinks the market is going to move a certain direction, it usually does the opposite.

A security’s nominal face value.

Stock trading price reports that have not been artificially delayed.

An order to close out an existing open futures or options contract. A liquidating order involves the sale of a contract that has been purchased or purchase of a contract that has been sold.

Time after IPO, typically 25 days, when all parties involved in IPO are prohibited from commenting on the company’s future prospects. Analysts employed by underwriters are free to make buy/hold/sell recommendations after the Quiet Period expiration.