Daily Market Analysis By FXOpen

What Is Stock Tape Reading, and How Do Traders Use It?


Tape reading is a real-time market analysis method used to track buying and selling pressure. Unlike technical indicators, which rely on historical data, tape reading focuses on executed trades, order flow, and liquidity shifts. Traders use it to assess momentum, identify institutional activity, and refine trade timing. This article explores how tape reading works, its role in modern markets, and how traders apply it to short-term decision-making.

The Origins and Evolution of Tape Reading
Tape reading began in the late 19th century when stock prices were transmitted via ticker tape machines, printing a continuous stream of price updates on paper strips. Traders would gather around these machines, scanning for large trades and unusual activity to anticipate market moves. One of the earliest and most well-known tape readers, Jesse Livermore, built his fortune by studying these price changes and spotting institutional buying and selling patterns.

By the mid-20th century, as markets became faster and more complex, ticker tape machines were replaced by electronic order books. Instead of scanning printed numbers, traders began using Level 2 market data and time & sales windows to track order flow in real time. This transition allowed for more precise liquidity analysis, making it easier to see how large orders impacted price movement.

TO VIEW THE FULL ANALYSIS, VISIT FXOPEN BLOG

Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.