Definition ∞ A Fully Fluctuating Security is a financial instrument whose market price is determined solely by the forces of supply and demand, without any fixed peg, floor, or ceiling imposed by an issuer or regulatory body. Its value changes continuously based on market sentiment, trading activity, and underlying economic factors. This type of security offers no guarantees against price depreciation. Most publicly traded stocks and many cryptocurrencies operate as fully fluctuating securities.
Context ∞ Many digital assets, including major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are considered fully fluctuating securities in practice, meaning their prices are subject to constant, unconstrained market movements. Understanding this characteristic is essential for interpreting crypto news, as price volatility is a defining feature of these assets. Regulatory debates often involve whether certain digital assets, despite their fluctuating nature, should be classified as securities under existing laws, impacting their oversight.