Ask Price Formula in Excel
The Ask Price formula in Excel (with MarketXLS) provides you with the lowest current selling price for a given ticker symbol. This function is especially useful for traders and analysts who need real-time or near real-time market data for US and Canadian stocks, ETFs, options, and other instruments. By integrating this function into your Excel workflow, you can make informed decisions faster and gain a competitive edge.
Understanding Ask Price
- The Ask Price represents the lowest price at which a seller is willing to part with a specific asset.
- This function helps you quickly access the best available ask quotes in Excel for equities, ETFs, and even more complex instruments like options.
- Use it to monitor the market, gauge liquidity, and stay updated on critical price movements without leaving your spreadsheet.
? Pro Tip: Combine the Ask Price formula with other MarketXLS functions (e.g., Last Price or Bid Price) to create a comprehensive market dashboard in Excel.
Syntax and Parameters
=ASK(Symbol)
Parameter | Description | Required | Example |
---|---|---|---|
Symbol | The ticker symbol or instrument identifier for which you want to retrieve the ask price. | Yes | "MSFT" |
- Symbol supports various formats:
- Regular tickers:
=ASK("MSFT")
- Indices:
=ASK("^SPX")
- Options:
=ASK("@MSFT 110122C00020000")
- Crypto pairs:
=ASK("BTCUSD:DEFAULT")
- Regular tickers:
Return Value:
• Returns a numeric value representing the ask price or "NA" if data is unavailable or if the symbol/license is invalid.
?? Note: Network interruptions, invalid symbols, or expired licenses may lead to an “NA” return value.
Examples and Usage
Below are some practical ways to leverage the Ask Price formula in your Excel spreadsheets:
- Retrieve the ask price for a popular stock like Microsoft:
=ASK("MSFT")
- Monitor the S&P 500 index ask level:
=ASK("^SPX")
- Keep an eye on option quotes with precise strike and expiry details:
=ASK("@MSFT 110122C00020000")
- Track cryptocurrency ask quotes:
=ASK("BTCUSD:DEFAULT")
You can insert these formulas into Excel cells, use references to other cells containing the symbols, or create dynamic dashboards for more complex trading strategies.
- Performance Considerations:
- MarketXLS fetches data through web calls. While typically fast, a large number of simultaneous requests may slow performance.
- Caching mechanisms or selectively updating data can help improve efficiency.
Common Questions
-
Why am I getting “NA”?
- Ensure your symbol is valid and that your MarketXLS license is active. If the symbol is unrecognized (e.g., a misspelling) or the license check fails, the function returns “NA.”
-
How do I retrieve real-time data?
- MarketXLS offers real-time streaming with certain data packages. Check your subscription plan or contact MarketXLS support.
-
Can I use ‘ASK’ with historical dates?
- The
ASK
function does not take a separate date parameter. It retrieves the most recent available ask price for the given symbol. For historical data, you need MarketXLS functions specifically designed for historical queries.
- The
-
How do I combine ASK with other MarketXLS functions?
- Create custom dashboards using multiple functions like
LAST
,OPEN
,BID
, andSTREAM ASK
to compare market prices in real time.
- Create custom dashboards using multiple functions like
? Pro Tip: Build a watchlist table in Excel where one column contains symbols and the adjacent column uses the
ASK
function. This setup allows you to monitor multiple ask quotes simultaneously.