Reading a stock quote

Every stock quote shows a bid (the highest price a buyer will pay), an ask (the lowest price a seller will accept), and a last trade price. The spread between bid and ask is a transaction cost.

Volume tells you how many shares traded that session. High volume often confirms price moves — a breakout on thin volume is less reliable than one backed by heavy participation.

The 52-week high and low give context to where today's price sits relative to recent history. Combined with moving averages, they help you identify whether a stock is extended or oversold.