Market Microstructure Overview

Study Notes

Market Microstructure

Focuses on transaction costs and their influence on short-term securities price movements.
Aims to understand how trading impacts market efficiency and price discovery.

Market Structure

Comprises both physical and virtual elements, including trading platforms and regulations.
Information systems and trading rules are critical components shaping market dynamics.

Latency

Refers to the delay between a trader placing an order and that order becoming visible to the market.
Lower latency is preferred as it allows for more timely execution and price visibility.

Optimal Market Characteristics

Lowest transaction costs are essential for effective trading.
Fast execution of trades is crucial for seizing market opportunities.
Fair pricing is key to ensuring buyer and seller trust.
Efficient dissemination of price information enhances overall market transparency.
High liquidity allows buyers and sellers to transact quickly with minimal impact on prices.

Market Liquidity

Defined as the ease with which buyers and sellers can conduct transactions without significant costs or price fluctuations.
A liquid market enables timely trades, contributing to overall market efficiency.

Types of Trade Orders

Market Order: Executed at the best available market price; prioritizes quick execution over the price.
Limit Order: Sets a maximum price for buying or a minimum price for selling; only executes if the market price meets these limits.
Stop Order:
- Buy Stop Order: Activates when the price rises above a specified level.
- Stop-Loss Order: Executes a sell once the price falls below a specified level to limit potential losses.
Day Order: Automatically canceled if not executed by the close of the trading day.
Good Till Canceled Order: Remains active until the trader decides to cancel it.
Not Held Order: Broker has flexibility in execution; not obligated to fill the order immediately while searching for a better price.
Fill or Kill Order: Must be executed entirely and immediately; otherwise, it is canceled.
Immediate or Cancel Order: Executes as much of the order as possible right away, with remaining unexecuted amounts canceled.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of market microstructure, focusing on the costs associated with transaction services and the implications of those costs on short-term securities pricing. Additionally, it delves into market structure, latency, and the impact of trading rules on market behavior.