Sales Charge

A fee charged by a broker or agent for his/her service in facilitating a transaction, such as the buying or selling of securities or real estate. In the case of securities trading, brokers can be split into two broad categories depending on the sales charges they charge. Discount brokers charge relatively low sales charges, but provide no services beyond executing trades. Full service brokers charge higher sales charges, but provide research and investment advisory services. also called commission.

European Depository Receipt

A negotiable certificate held in the bank of one country representing a specific number of shares of a stock traded on an exchange of another country. American Depositary Receipts make it easier for individuals to invest in foreign companies, due to the widespread availability of price information, lower transaction costs, and timely dividend distributions. also called European Depositary Receipt. also called Global Depositary Receipt (GDR).

Average Strike Option

A type of stock option used on Asian exchanges. The strike price in this type of option is based on the average asset price during a certain period of time, defined by a range of dates called the "fixings." This type of option is less volatile than traditional options, which have a predetermined strike price.

Crossing

A situation in which a broker acts as agent on both sides of a given transaction. If the broker has a buy order and an equivalent sell order, he/she can "cross" the orders. This is common in the case of large orders, but is legal only if the broker first offers the securities to the public at a price higher than the bid price.