Stock Price Charts

Why are free stock quotes delayed? Why do real time quotes have to cost a fortune?

What is it that prevents websites or even the stock exchanges from distributing real-time quotes for free for the public to see?

Public Comments

1. to protect the brokers, otherwise no one would pay for them
2. Stock exchanges sell real time quotes to make money, just like Walmart sells shirts to make money. There is nothing that prevents Walmart from from distributing shirts for free, but I would bet it will not happen.
3. I get my real time quotes for free. I just have to log into my discount brokerage account to get them.
4. I think there is a website called freerealtime.com. Its free (obviously) but loaded with ads.
5. There is an old Scottish saying, "Directions are free, the right directions will cost you money".
6. I agree with zman492. Circle gets the square.
7. delayed stock quotes are worthless, thats why they are free.
8. I have an account with https://www.optionsxpress.com/index1.aspx?sessionid=0 They provide real time stock quote and stock chart. I find that the charting platform provided by http://www.prophet.net/ is quite useful for technical analysis as well. The best thing...... it's free.