Market Data Feeds

Definition ∞ Market Data Feeds are real-time or near real-time streams of information about financial instruments, including prices, trading volumes, and order book depth. These feeds are crucial for traders, investors, and financial analysts to make informed decisions. They are typically provided by exchanges, data vendors, or specialized service providers. The accuracy and speed of market data feeds are paramount for efficient market operation and algorithmic trading strategies.
Context ∞ In the digital asset space, reliable market data feeds are essential for the functioning of cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized finance protocols, and investment platforms. Discussions often concern the latency, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of data from a fragmented and often volatile crypto market. The integrity of these feeds is critical for preventing market manipulation and ensuring fair pricing in decentralized applications. The demand for high-quality, aggregated crypto market data continues to grow as institutional participation increases.