Patent ID: 7788161

Claim:
A method implemented at least partially in a programmed computer for executing a securities order, the method comprising: receiving a market order to buy with a size that causes an imbalance; executing a portion of the market order at an execution price, wherein the execution price is a best offer price; changing a quote from fast to slow; using the programmed computer to automatically calculate a remaining unexecuted size of the market order; using the programmed computer to automatically set a new best bid price equal to the execution price; using the programmed computer to automatically quote the unexecuted size of the market order at the new best bid price; using the programmed computer to automatically quote a new best offer size as 100 shares; and using the programmed computer to automatically quote the new best offer price as a gap price, wherein the gap price is the next even 50 cents greater than the new best bid price and creates a wider-than-normal spread between the quoted new best bid and new best offer, and the combination of gap price and 100 share new best offer size serves to draw in sellers.