Abstract: A computer-implemented, transaction-making, municipal bond trading system having a capability to conduct a private electronic auction of bid wanteds between a central brokers' broker and multiple prospective remote bidders and to maintain a reference database of accurate individual bond lot descriptions and identifications, including CUSIP (trademark) numbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trading keyboard that can be configured both physically and functionally according to a user's preferences. The trading keyboard preferably includes self-identifying key covers that can be physically arranged on any of the keyboard's key bases. Detection mechanisms included in the key bases detect the commands of the trading application associated with each self-identifying key cover. Therefore, the user may reposition the key covers on the keyboard according to the user's preferences, and yet retain the same functionality for the key covers. The user may also switch between keyboard modes that allow the keyboard to be functionally reconfigured. By selecting different modes, the user can chose between different keyboard mapping configurations that assign the functions of the trading application to the keys in different arrangements. The mode selection mechanism may also be used to select between different commands associated with a single key or key cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods for linking orders in electronic trading systems are provided. These systems and methods enable a trader to select two or more items that are to be linked and specify linking parameters for those items. Any desired set of items may be linked, and the linking parameters may include price adjustments, order sequencing instructions, automatic/manual execution controls, execution delays commands, and update frequency limits. Upon detecting a bid or offer for a linked item, the systems and methods may then determine a size and a price for each linked item based upon the size and the price of the bid or offer for the first linked item. In this way, the sizes and the prices for the other linked items may be propagated from the size and the price for the first item. Once the size and the price for each item is determined, the systems and methods may submit orders for the items in accordance with the linking parameters.