Consolidated Tape

If you're looking for the latest price and volume data on stocks listed on an equity exchange, the fastest way to get it is from the "consolidated tape." This is a lightning-fast, electronic reporting system that reports information from the AMEX, NYSE, CBOE, Nasdaq and many other exchanges. In addition to stock symbols, prices, and trading volumes, you can also see the signature red or green triangle that points down or up to signal price direction.

The Consolidated Tape Association launched the Consolidated Tape System in 1976. It's an extension from the old, mechanical ticker tape, which had been used by brokers dating back to the mid-19th century.

Consolidated tape was the sixth coolest thing started in 1976 after Apple Computer, the Ramones, the filming of Star Wars, the 200th Bicentennial, and The Gong Show.