Handle

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Handle

What is a handle?

A handle is the whole-number portion of a price quote used by traders to communicate the general price level quickly. For stocks or futures, it’s the part to the left of the decimal point (e.g., a price of $149.25 has a handle of $149). The fractional portion to the right of the decimal is often called the stem or dollar price.

In forex, the handle is the portion of the quote that is the same for both the bid and the ask. For example, if a currency pair is quoted as bid 1.17742 and ask 1.17758, the handle is 1.17.

Why handles matter

  • Speed and clarity: In fast-moving markets traders use handles to shorthand prices and speed communication.
  • Contextual focus: Handles convey the general price level without dwelling on minor fractions that may be less relevant for quick decisions.
  • Market conventions: Many traders assume the stem is understood, especially among professionals, so referencing only the handle is common practice.

Examples

  • Equities/futures: Price = $2,885.43 → handle = 2885 (sometimes traders may colloquially refer to the last two digits, e.g., “the 85 handle,” depending on convention).
  • Forex: Bid = 1.17742, Ask = 1.17758 → handle = 1.17.

Handles in forex vs. other markets

  • Forex quotes commonly extend to four or five decimal places. The smallest conventional move is a pip (typically 0.0001), and spreads are quoted in pips. The handle in forex reflects the shared left-side portion of both bid and ask.
  • In spot and forward markets, and in OTC or exchange trading, handles help participants quickly reference broad price levels regardless of settlement timing.

Other names and usage

  • Synonyms: big figure, big fig, whole dollar value.
  • When used: Primarily in fast-moving markets, among professionals, or when price levels are being discussed in summary. Retail investors typically see full quoted prices.

Handles vs. pips

  • Handle: whole-number portion or common left-side portion of a quote.
  • Pip: the standard minimum price increment in forex (usually the fourth decimal place, 0.0001). Pips measure small movements and bid-ask spreads; handles convey the larger-scale price level.

Bottom line

A handle (or big figure) is a shorthand tool traders use to communicate the whole-number part of a price quote or the shared left-side portion in currency quotes. It speeds communication and helps market participants focus on meaningful changes in price levels while the stem and pips capture finer detail.