Abstract: A work station for use by a trader of securities on an established market. The work station is integrated into a network of competing market makers for a plurality of securities for trading. A centralized database provides a feed of data on current market events for the securities, including price and transaction data. The work station is specifically programmed to receive the feed of data from the database and convert this datastream into a form conducive to enhanced trading. Seven separate applications permit the trader to track the market, select securities, bid and ask pricing, market direction and market depth. Traders equipped with the workstation are capable of entering transactions with more complete and copious knowledge about the extant market.

Abstract: Data processing based apparatus makes an automated trading market for one or more securities. The system retrieves the best obtaining bid and asked prices from a remote data base, covering the ensemble of institutions or others making a market for the relevant securities. Data characterizing each securities buy/sell order requested by a customer is supplied to the system. The order is qualified for execution by comparing its specifics against predetermined stored parameters. The stored parameters include the operative bid and asked prices, the amount of stock available for customer purchase or sale, and maximum single order size.Once qualified, the order is executed and the appropriate parameters are updated. The system provides inventory (position) control and profit accounting for the market maker. Finally, the system reports the executed trade details to the customer, and to national stock price reporting systems.