QM_RawAskSize: Retrieve the Raw Ask Size for a Stock in Excel

The QM_RawAskSize function in MarketXLS allows you to directly fetch the most recent raw ask size for a given stock symbol within Excel. This function helps traders and investors quickly evaluate the supply side of the market in real time. By streamlining data retrieval, QM_RawAskSize helps you avoid manual lookups and keeps your worksheets precise and up to date.

Why Use This Function?

• Easily track the market’s ask size for any supported US-listed symbol.
• Receive quick numerical outputs that indicate current, near real-time liquidity for sell orders.
• Eliminate manual data entry—this function is ideal for active traders monitoring multiple stocks.
• Reduce errors by automating ask size lookups directly in your Excel models.
• Quickly refresh or detect if data loading is in progress, saving you from stale or incomplete data.

How to Use in Excel

To use QM_RawAskSize in your worksheets, type the function in a cell and specify a valid ticker symbol as an argument.

=QM_RawAskSize("AAPL")

1. Insert an equal sign in a cell.
2. Start typing QM_RawAskSize.
3. Within parentheses, enter the stock ticker symbol in quotes (e.g., "MSFT").
4. Press Enter to retrieve the raw ask size.

MarketXLS handles caching and refresh logic behind the scenes. If market data is currently being refreshed, QM_RawAskSize may temporarily return "Refreshing." If no data is available for a valid symbol, it may display "NA" or "Please Refresh."

Parameters Explained

• Only one parameter is required: the stock’s symbol.
• Symbol formatting is automatically normalized by MarketXLS (capitalization, removing extra spaces, etc.).

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Retrieve Apple’s Ask Size:
   =QM_RawAskSize("AAPL")
   • Displays the raw ask size for Apple (AAPL).

2. Reference from Another Cell:
   Suppose cell A1 contains "GOOG". Then:
   =QM_RawAskSize(A1)
   • The function picks up "GOOG" from A1 and fetches the raw ask size for Google.

3. Checking a Symbol with No Data:
   =QM_RawAskSize("FAKE")
   • If "FAKE" is not a valid symbol, the result could be "NA" or "Please Refresh" depending on cache or data availability.

Advanced Scenarios

1. Integrating QM_RawAskSize with Further Analysis:
   =IF(QM_RawAskSize("TSLA")>1000, "High Ask Size", "Low/Medium Ask Size")
   • Dynamically label ask size levels based on a custom threshold.

2. Combining with Other MarketXLS Functions:
   =QM_RawAskSize("AMZN") / QM_BidSize("AMZN")
   • Compare raw ask size to raw bid size to gauge market liquidity or potential trading volume imbalance.

3. Automated Tracker for Multiple Symbols:
   • Create a table of symbols in column A (A2:A21) and use =QM_RawAskSize(A2) in column B. Fill down to retrieve the ask sizes of an entire watchlist at once.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• Q: Why am I seeing "Refreshing" in my cell?
  A: MarketXLS may be in the process of fetching new market data. Once the data is retrieved, "Refreshing" will be replaced by the actual numeric ask size.

• Q: I’m seeing "NA" for a valid ticker symbol.
  A: Sometimes caching issues or missing data result in an "NA" return. Verify your data subscription status, symbol correctness, or simply refresh MarketXLS to update values.

• Q: Is a license required to use this function?
  A: Yes. MarketXLS checks your license validity. If the license is not valid or expired, you may see an error message.

• Q: How do I clear or refresh the data?
  A: Use MarketXLS’s “Refresh All” or relevant refresh commands within the add-in to reload all quotes. The function automatically updates once fresh data is available.

By combining QM_RawAskSize with your existing Excel workflows, you can build a powerful, real-time monitoring system for US-listed stocks. The function’s ability to detect unavailable data ("NA," "Please Refresh," or "Refreshing") ensures that your trackers and dashboards remain reliable and comprehensive at all times.