CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.

Market data definition

What is market data?

Market data refers to the live streaming of trade-related data. It encompasses a range of information such as price, bid/ask quotes and market volume. Trading venues provide reports on various assets and financial instruments, which are then distributed to traders and firms. Market data is available across thousands of global markets, including stocks, indices, forex and commodities.

Market data is used by traders to assess the worth of various assets, and will inform their approach to entering and exiting trades. The aim of using market data is to get as much information about the asset you are planning to trade, in order to calculate market risk and the impact of live news releases.

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Find out more about a range of market data, including real-time price charts, news and analysis.

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Pros and cons of market data

Pros of market data

Market data is generated in real time, which means that it can be used to make quick but informed trading decisions. However, market data can also be used to access historical prices – these historical charts are a crucial part of technical analysis, and can be useful when creating a strategy for future trades.

Market data is normally found in one place under a ticker symbol, which makes it easy to access. Commonly, market pricing data is kept separate from all other information, but some market data providers will choose to deliver fundamentals as well. In equities, this can include market valuations, company performance reports and reference data.

Cons of market data

The real-time delivery of market data is important, as prices can move quickly and traders need to make timely, informed decisions about opening and closing their positions. However, with data there is always the risk of latency or lags in the delivery of information, especially as the information can be coming from trading venues all over the world. When choosing your data provider, it is important to ensure that they are reliable, and have the capabilities to give you high speed access to accurate market data.

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The benefits of trading CFDs

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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Please consider the Margin Trading Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Risk Disclosure Notice and Target Market Determination before entering into any CFD transaction with us.

The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through an IG share trading account can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Please ensure you fully understand the risks and take care to manage your exposure.

The information on this website is prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, you should consider the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs.

This website is operated by IG Australia Pty Ltd. IG Australia Pty Ltd is located on Level 32, Queen & Collins, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000. ABN 93 096 585 410, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 515106. Derivatives Issuer Licence in New Zealand FSP No. 684191, NZBN 9429047618251.

The information on this site is not directed at residents of the United States or any particular country outside Australia or New Zealand and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

Market data definition

What is market data?

Take a look at our market data service

Pros and cons of market data

Pros of market data

Cons of market data

Build your trading knowledge

Learn more

What are market anomalies?

What is CFD trading?

How to trade CFDs?

What is forex?

The benefits of trading CFDs

Help and support

Markets

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