What Is the Role of the “Market Maker” in Reducing the Bid-Ask Spread?

Market makers are financial institutions or individuals who simultaneously quote both a bid (buy) and an ask (sell) price for an asset, standing ready to trade. By constantly providing liquidity, they narrow the difference between the highest bid and the lowest ask (the spread).

A tighter spread reduces transaction costs for other traders.

How Does the Presence of “Market Makers” Influence the Bid-Ask Spread?
What Is the Role of a Market Maker in Narrowing the Bid-Ask Spread?
Define “Liquidity Provider” and Their Role in Narrowing the Bid-Ask Spread
What Is the Role of a Market Maker in Maintaining the Bid-Offer Spread?
Why Do Stablecoins Typically Have a Very Narrow Bid-Offer Spread?
What Is the Bid-Ask Spread, and How Is It Related to Liquidity?
Why Do Market Makers Prefer to Trade at the Bid or Ask Rather than the Mid-Price?
What Is the Primary Role of a ‘Market Maker’ in Reducing the Bid-Ask Spread?

Glossar