spot market

American  

noun

1. a market in which commodities, as grain, gold, or crude oil, are dealt in for cash and immediate delivery (distinguished from futures market).

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spot market British  

noun

1. commerce a market in which commodities, currencies, or securities are traded for immediate delivery Compare forward market

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Etymology

Origin of spot market

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spot market

With refiners able to source competitively priced oil on the spot market, demand for additional term volumes might remain limited.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

“The longer this continues, the more likely Asian buyers will need to enter the spot market to cover disrupted contracted volumes,” ING analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026

“Asian buyers will need to enter the spot market to replace disrupted contracted cargoes from the Persian Gulf, increasing competition between Asian and European buyers.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026

Container ships are more likely to operate on time charters than the spot market.

From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026

In New York the spot market is located in the district of lower Wall Street, which includes a block or two each side on Front and Water Streets.

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)