Handle

Definition

In finance, the term “handle” refers to the whole number portion of a security’s price or quote. It is commonly used in the trading environment, particularly when referring to stock or currency prices. The handle helps traders and investors get a quick sense of the value of a security, ignoring the decimal points and fractional values for the sake of simplification.

Phonetic

The phonetic spelling of the keyword “Handle” is: /ˈhændl/

Key Takeaways

1. What is a handle in finance? A handle in finance is the whole number part of a price quote, that is, the portion of the quote to the left of the decimal point. For example, if the price quote for the stock is $56.25, the handle is $56, eliminating the value of cents in the quote.
2. Why are handles used in finance? Handles are used in finance to quickly convey the general price level on a security or index. For example, if a stock is trading at $56.25, the handle is $56, so you know that the stock is trading in the $50s. This can be helpful for traders who are looking to quickly assess the market or make trading decisions.
3. How are handles used in trading? Handles can be used in trading in a number of ways. For example, traders may use handles to set stop-loss orders or to identify potential support and resistance levels. Handles can also be used to calculate the daily price range, which is the difference between the highest and lowest prices of a security on a given day.

The term “handle” is important in the business and finance world as it refers to the whole dollar amount of a given security, asset, or transaction, excluding decimals or fractions. It is a critical concept as it allows for a simplified and efficient communication of financial data among market participants, including traders, investors, and analysts. Additionally, it aids in the analysis of trends, comparisons, and decision-making processes involving financial instruments. By focusing on the handle, market participants can efficiently assess market activity, execute trades, and make more accurate financial forecasts, ultimately proving smoother functioning and improved stability within the financial sector.

Explanation

Handle is an essential concept in the world of finance and business, playing a vital role in various market transactions and trading activities. The term primarily represents the whole number part of a price quotation in financial markets, excluding decimal or fractional figures. Essentially, it provides a clearer, more concise reference point for traders, helping them analyze and communicate price movements more effectively. By simplifying the process of price comparison and market evaluations, the handle enables market participants to act rapidly and profitably during their decision-making. Furthermore, the concept of the handle is applicable across multiple markets, including stocks, bonds, commodities, and foreign exchanges. For instance, in stock trading, a security’s handle may be related to a significant psychological price level affecting market sentiment. Similarly, in the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the handle provides a convenient way for traders to consider currency values in terms of the main, whole number components. By giving a more intuitive understanding of an asset’s value, a handle lends strategic advantages to traders by facilitating quicker trading decisions, and reducing the possibility of errors in assessing dynamic market conditions.

Examples

1. Retail Store: In a retail store, the “handle” refers to the total amount of money generated from sales during a specific period, such as a day, week, or month. For example, if a clothing store sells $10,000 worth of merchandise in a given week, the handle for that week is $10,000. 2. Stock Exchange: In the context of stock trading, the “handle” refers to the whole dollar value of a stock or index. For instance, if a stock is trading at $25.50 per share, its handle would be $25. This term is used to provide a simplified way of discussing stock prices or to easily determine price levels at which significant buying or selling might occur. 3. Betting Industry: In the world of gambling and sports betting, the “handle” refers to the total amount of money wagered on a specific event or series of events. For example, during a major sports event like the Super Bowl, the handle might be the total sum of money that bettors have placed on all possible outcomes of the game at sportsbooks, including point spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets. In this case, the handle helps gauge the overall popularity of the event and estimates the potential revenue that bookmakers can generate from all bets placed by the public.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Transaction Volume
• Revenue Streams
• Cash Flow
• Financial Management
• Operating Income

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• Nasdaq
• IG
• Cleartax