What Is a Quote in Trading? Definition, Types, and Examples in Forex and Markets

Definition:
A quote is the current market price at which an asset can be bought or sold. In Forex, it represents the Bid (sell) and Ask (buy) prices for a currency pair.

Explanation:
Quotes are the real-time prices displayed on trading platforms, showing traders the level at which they can enter or exit the market.

In Forex, a quote always has two sides:

• Bid Price: The price at which the market (or broker) will buy from you → used to open Sell positions.
• Ask Price: The price at which the market (or broker) will sell to you → used to open Buy positions.

The difference between the Bid and Ask is called the Spread, which is part of the trading cost.

Quotes can also appear in single form (e.g., a stock quote showing only one price) or as two-way quotes (like in Forex).

📊 Types of Quotes

• Two-Way Quote (Forex): Always shows Bid/Ask together, e.g., EUR/USD 1.1000 / 1.1002
• Stock Quote: Usually shows the last traded price, Bid/Ask, and daily range
• Commodity Quote: Prices quoted in standardized units (e.g., Gold in USD per ounce)

Example (Forex):
If EUR/USD is quoted as 1.1000 / 1.1002:

• 1.1000 (Bid): You can Sell EUR/USD at this price.
• 1.1002 (Ask): You can Buy EUR/USD at this price.
• Spread = 2 pips.

Related Terms:
Bid Price, Ask Price, Spread, Currency Pair, Order Execution

Category:
Trading Basics / Market Infrastructure

✅ FastPip Tip:

Always check the spread when looking at a quote. Tight spreads mean lower costs—especially important for scalpers and day traders.

📣 Related Resources from FastPip

✅ Learn how quotes work in practice on our Broker Review Page
✅ Follow live Buy/Sell quotes in our Copy Trading Platform
✅ Read our Blog for guides on spreads, quotes, and execution