ExpertGlossary

A Dutch auction opens at the highest price and drops gradually until there's a buyer willing to pay the amount being asked. The transaction is completed at that price.

The only securities auctions in US markets that are conducted as Dutch auctions are the competitive bids for US Treasury bills, notes, and bonds.

In contrast, a conventional commercial auction begins with the lowest price, which gradually increases as potential buyers bid against each other. The selling price is determined when no bidder will top the last offer on the table.

A double-action auction - the system in place on US stock exchanges - features many buyers and sellers bidding against each other to close a sale at a mutually agreed-upon price.