Indicative Quote

An indicative quote is a price provided to a client as a guide to current market prices. It is not a firm offer to buy or sell at the quoted price.

Definition

An indicative quote is a non-binding price provided by a broker or trader to a client to present a current market value of a financial instrument such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies. It serves as a benchmark for market prices and allows investors to gauge the realistic value of an asset. However, it is not a firm offer or commitment to transact at the quoted price.

Key Characteristics

  1. Non-Binding: It does not obligate the broker or trader to execute a transaction at the indicated price.
  2. Market Snapshot: Reflects current market conditions and can change rapidly.
  3. Informational Tool: Helps clients to understand potential costs or proceeds related to a transaction.

Examples

  1. Currency Trading: A forex trader might provide an indicative quote of 1.1800 for EUR/USD. This gives the client an idea of the current exchange rate but is not an executable price.
  2. Stock Market: A broker might tell a client that the indicative quote for a share of XYZ Corporation is $100. This helps the client understand the approximate market value but does not guarantee that they can buy or sell at that price.
  3. Bond Markets: An investment firm might quote an indicative price of 95.50 for a bond. The client understands that this is a guide and the actual trade price could differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is an indicative quote the same as a firm quote?

  • A: No, an indicative quote provides an estimated price, whereas a firm quote is a commitment to buy or sell at the indicated price.

Q2: Can I execute a trade based on an indicative quote?

  • A: No, an indicative quote cannot be used for executing a trade; it is provided for informational purposes only.

Q3: Why do brokers provide indicative quotes?

  • A: Brokers provide indicative quotes to help clients understand current market conditions and make informed decisions regarding potential transactions.

Q4: How often do indicative quotes change?

  • A: Indicative quotes can change frequently as they reflect the current market prices, which are constantly fluctuating.

Q5: What should I consider when receiving an indicative quote?

  • A: Consider that it is not a guaranteed trade price and that actual transaction prices may differ due to market movements.
  • Firm Quote: An offer to buy or sell a security at a specified price that is guaranteed for a specific period.
  • Bid Price: The highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a security.
  • Ask Price: The lowest price a seller is willing to accept for a security.
  • Market Order: An order to buy or sell a security immediately at the best available current price.
  • Limit Order: An order to buy or sell a security at a specific price or better.

Online Resources

Suggested Books

  • “Accounting for Investments, Fixed Income Securities and Interest Rate Derivatives: A Practitioner’s Handbook” by R. Venkata Subramani
  • “Financial Markets and Institutions” by Frederic S. Mishkin and Stanley Eakins
  • “Trading For Dummies” by Lita Epstein and Grayson D. Roze

Accounting Basics: Indicative Quote Fundamentals Quiz

### What is an indicative quote? - [x] A non-binding price given as a guide to current market prices. - [ ] A firm offer to buy or sell a financial asset. - [ ] A mandatory price for executing trades. - [ ] A locked-in quoted price that cannot change. > **Explanation:** An indicative quote is a non-binding price provided to clients for informational purposes and reflects current market conditions. ### Can an indicative quote be used to execute a trade? - [ ] Yes, it can be used as a firm order. - [x] No, it is for informational purposes only. - [ ] Only during market hours. - [ ] Only for high-volume trades. > **Explanation:** An indicative quote cannot be used to execute trades; it is solely provided as a reference for current market prices. ### How frequently do indicative quotes change? - [x] They can change frequently based on market conditions. - [ ] Once every trading day. - [ ] They rarely change. - [ ] Once a week. > **Explanation:** As indicative quotes reflect current market prices, they can change frequently with the movements in the financial markets. ### Why are indicative quotes provided by brokers? - [x] To give clients an idea of current market values and conditions. - [ ] To secure a transaction price. - [ ] To guarantee a fixed rate for trades. - [ ] To replace firm quotes. > **Explanation:** Brokers provide indicative quotes to help clients understand market conditions and approximate values of financial instruments. ### What should you remember when you receive an indicative quote? - [ ] It is a mandatory execution price. - [x] It is not a guaranteed trade price. - [ ] It will not change. - [ ] It is a commitment from the broker. > **Explanation:** An indicative quote is not a guaranteed trade price and actual transaction prices can differ based on market dynamics. ### Is there any obligation to execute a trade at an indicative quote? - [ ] Yes, you must trade at that price. - [ ] Only in foreign exchange markets. - [x] No, there is no obligation. - [ ] Only under SEC supervision. > **Explanation:** There is no obligation to execute a trade at an indicative quote since it is not an enforceable commitment. ### What is the difference between an indicative quote and a firm quote? - [x] An indicative quote is non-binding, while a firm quote is a binding offer to trade. - [ ] They are the same. - [ ] An indicative quote can only be used for certain securities. - [ ] A firm quote can change, while an indicative quote cannot. > **Explanation:** An indicative quote is non-binding and offers a current price guide, whereas a firm quote is a binding commitment to trade at the quoted price. ### What types of financial instruments can have indicative quotes? - [ ] Only stocks. - [ ] Only bonds. - [x] Various financial instruments including stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities. - [ ] Only real estate. > **Explanation:** Indicative quotes can be provided for various financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities. ### Why might indicative quotes change frequently? - [ ] Due to broker preferences. - [ ] Inflation rates. - [x] Market price fluctuations. - [ ] Exchange closures. > **Explanation:** Indicative quotes reflect the current market prices which are subject to constant fluctuations affecting the quoted values. ### How should investors use indicative quotes? - [x] As a reference to understand market conditions and potential costs. - [ ] As the exact price for executing trades. - [ ] To demand a trade at the quoted price. - [ ] To finalize a trade agreement. > **Explanation:** Investors should use indicative quotes as a reference to comprehend market conditions and potential transaction values.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Accounting Terms Lexicon

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