stock symbol

Stock symbol

See: Ticker symbol

Ticker Symbol

A series of letters, often an abbreviation, that represents a stock, option, mutual fund, or other security that trades on an exchange. A ticker symbol allows securities to be listed on an exchange's overhead board conveniently and provides a useful reference for traders and investors. NASDAQ ticker symbols have four letters, while those on the NYSE have no more than three. Mutual fund ticker symbols sometimes include numbers. Examples of ticker symbols include F, for Ford, and MSFT, for Microsoft.

stock symbol

The letter or sequence of letters used to identify a security. For example, on the consolidated tape, T is used for AT&T Corporation, CVG for Convergys Corporation, and XOM for ExxonMobil. Symbols are also used to identify securities on video display terminals.