Abstract: An improvement in computer automated stock exchange trading whereby a graphic user interface with a mouse and display is used to select parameters such as share symbol, price selection, order size, and transaction type, as well as other indicators to launch a trading order to the order entry system of a stock exchange computer. Further improvements include a programmed interface by which data on a group of shares may be read from a spreadsheet formulated into an order and launched automatically or in response to a signal from an operator so as to trade an index or basket of shares substantially instantaneously.

Abstract: In a device and method to provide a gateway for the transfer of information between financial markets and customers, a processor is coupled to a customer system and to a financial market system. The processor receives transaction information from the customer system in a first format, converts it to a second format and transmits the transaction information to the financial market system. The processor receives an acknowledgment and a transaction confirmation from the financial market system in the second format, converts these to the first format and transmits the acknowledgment and the transaction confirmation to the customer system. The processor may also be coupled to a memory, where it stores tracking information relating to the transaction information, the acknowledgment and/or the transaction confirmation.