Ask Price (Offer Price)
The ask price, also called the offer price, is the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for a stock.
Quick Reference:
Seller’s offer. Opposit of bid price. Shows supply level.
Expanded Explanation:
While the bid is what buyers are offering, the ask is what sellers are demanding. If sellers are asking $10.05 for a stock, that becomes the current ask. When a buyer agrees to pay the ask, the trade happens.
The gap between the bid and ask is called the spread. Tight spreas usually mean a liquid stock, while wide spreads suggest fewer participants. For beginners, knowing the ask helps you understand what you’d need to pay if you want to buy immediately.