Working with Specialists As a member of the American Stock Exchange, the Specialist's primary obligation is to maintain a fair and orderly market in the securities in which they are registered. Towards that end, they perform three functions. Second, Specialists work as facilitators, employing their extensive knowledge of the market in a stock to bring together potential buyers and sellers. This skill is particularly important when large blocks of stock are brought to the floor. Third, Specialists serve as dealers when there is insufficient public interest to accommodate willing sellers or buyers at prices reasonable close to the last trade.
Specialists participate as dealers on all odd-lot orders.
Although Specialists have the exclusive right to make a market in a company's stock, they do not publish research, engage in corporate finance transactions, or promote a stock through retail and institutional sales networks. All Rights Reserved. Please read our Disclaimer , Trademarks , and Privacy Statement .