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

Continued strong demand in the container market, particularly in East Asia, and a recent sustained increase in spot market rates prompted Maersk to upgrade its outlook for 2026, the Danish shipping group said late Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 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

It intends to keep about 20% of its capacity for sales into the spot market and could also contribute to Australia’s critical minerals strategic reserve, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The only possible way of making such a contract was by guaranteeing that the spot market should not fall below the price then ruling.

From The Romance and Tragedy by Russell, William Ingraham