Consolidated Tape Association

The Consolidated Tape Association (CTA) is an organization that manages the collection and distribution of price and trading information for stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Essentially, it consolidates data from various markets into a single information source, allowing investors and brokers to access real-time prices and trading volumes. This transparency helps ensure fair trading practices and provides a comprehensive view of the market activity, assisting investors in making informed decisions. The CTA plays a critical role in the financial ecosystem by enhancing market efficiency and ensuring that everyone has access to the same data.