Abstract: A method of buying or selling items having at least one market and its associated processes are disclosed. The method includes the steps of, under control of a client system, displaying information identifying at least one item and a bid and/or ask price for the item in the market; and specifying transaction conditions based on a user directed position of a moveable icon, where the transaction conditions are related to the buying or selling of the identified item in the active market. Then, in response to an action of the user sending a user transaction request at the transaction conditions displayed at the time of said action, facilitating financial transactions for the user in accordance with the transaction conditions to complete the transaction. In this manner, the item may be bought or sold by the user at the transaction conditions specified. A user interface to facilitate this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The interface comprises one or more grids, each grid typically associated with a specific security. GUI objects or icons representing orders of a specific quantity may be dragged and dropped onto the grid to place, change, or cancel orders. The Grids are contained within tab pages, which are further contained as tab sets. Status icons are used to represent open, filled, and cancelled orders. The Icon Locate and Order locate feature allows orders on the Grid and Icons in the status panels to be easily referenced. Status Icons may be stamped with their associated order type or status. Similarly, the status icons may take the form of Corporate logos and adjust in size according to the value or quantity of a position. An Icon packing feature allows status icons to be efficiently placed within their total panel area. Advertising content may be displayed on the trading interface and is also conveniently packaged within tabsets.