A ticker, in the context of finance, is a symbol or series of letters used to represent a particular stock, bond, or other financial instrument traded on a stock exchange. Tickers are used to identify and track the performance of a particular security.

For example, the ticker symbol for Apple Inc. is AAPL, while the ticker symbol for the S&P 500 index is ^GSPC. Tickers are typically displayed on stock tickers, which are electronic displays that provide real-time stock quotes and other financial data.

Tickers are essential for investors and traders as they allow them to easily identify and track the performance of specific securities. They are also used by financial media outlets and online platforms to provide up-to-date information on stock prices and market trends.

Tickers are assigned by stock exchanges and are unique to each security. They are usually composed of letters, but can also include numbers and special characters. Ticker symbols are often abbreviated versions of a company's name or incorporate other recognizable elements, making them easy to remember and identify.

In finance, a ticker refers to the unique symbol or abbreviation used to represent a specific security, such as a stock, bond, or currency pair, on an exchange. Tickers simplify and standardize the identification of assets in trading and reporting systems.

For example, AAPL represents Apple Inc., while EUR/USD is the ticker for the euro against the U.S. dollar in forex trading. Tickers are often accompanied by additional information like the current price, percentage change, and volume traded.

In modern trading platforms, tickers help investors quickly track price movements and performance. Some tickers include added letters or numbers to indicate specifics, like share classes or special trading conditions, enhancing clarity in financial markets.