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Free float

The share of stock in free circulation — the part that actually trades on the exchange.

How to read the number

Free float determines a security's weight in an index and its liquidity.

When the metric lies

A low free float leaves the price vulnerable: a modest order moves the quote far more than it would otherwise.

Where it is used

The metric is calculated across every security in the catalogue and appears on the instrument card, in the multiples table and in the screener.

Also known as: free float, floating shares

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