OTCQX

A solid score of 23 in Scrabble. Hey, it's not "quixotic" or "wheezily," but no one will see it coming.

OTCQX provides the highest level of the three-tier over-the-counter market overseen by the OTC Markets. It's like being in 8th grade...you've reached the top of the junior high pecking order, but you're still small potatoes compared to the folks over at the high school (high school, in this case, being the NYSE or NASDAQ).

Stocks on the OTCQX have to meet relatively high standards, at least compared to the other OTC Markets. It's open to both U.S. and international companies, but it's known as a home to some larger foreign firms.

Companies have to meet certain requirements to remain listed, like being up-to-date in their financial disclosures and showing compliance with U.S. securities law. Also, they can't be penny stocks or shell companies, or be in bankruptcy. Which, admittedly, is a bit like having to go through a metal detector to get into a party...it's nice to know someone can't get in with a gun, but if you were in a nicer neighborhood, the metal detector wouldn't be necessary.

See: OTCQB.