David
Vail,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, February 19, 2009
All brokers are required to disclose how they place orders. If you've noticed a difference in opening price, I doubt it is more than a penny or two. If you want a specific price, place a limit order, otherwise it will be a market order and the broker tries to get you the best price available, which is shown as the ask price and is always above the bid price. When the bid and ask prices meet, a trade takes place.