Ticker tape

Ticker tape was the earliest electrical dedicated financial communications medium, transmitting stock price information over telegraph lines, in use from around 1870 to 1970.

The ticker tape revolutionized financial markets, as it relayed information from trading floors continuously and simultaneously across geographical distances.

[1] Paper ticker tape became obsolete in the 1960s, as television and computers were increasingly used to transmit financial information.

[2][3] Although telegraphic printing systems were invented by Royal Earl House in 1846, early models were fragile, required hand-cranked power, frequently went out of synchronization between sender and receiver, and did not become popular in widespread commercial use.

[5] The first stock price ticker system using a telegraphic printer was invented by Edward A. Calahan in 1863; he unveiled his device in New York City on November 15, 1867.

In 1890, members of the exchange agreed to create the New York Quotation Co., buying up all other ticker companies to ensure accuracy of reporting of price and volume activity.

This used the technology of the then-recently invented telegraph machines, with the advantage that the output was readable text, instead of the dots and dashes of Morse code.

One of the most famous outdoor displays is the simulated ticker scrolling marquee called "The Zipper" located at One Times Square in New York City.

Ticker tape parades are still held in New York City, specifically in the "Canyon of Heroes" in Manhattan, most often when local sports teams win a championship.