BATS European Markets Division, Chi-X Europe and Nasdaq OMX Europe have formed an open, industry working group to develop a uniform symbology framework for trading European stocks.
With a common symbology in place, European trading participants will be able to easily consolidate market data from any trading venue - either MTF or exchange - and more effectively smart route orders. The partners say the creation of a uniform symbology will ease the complexities that come from trading in a rapidly fragmenting market.
Todd Golub, head of markets development at Nasdaq OMX Europe, says a common symbology will make it easier for investors seeking best execution to navigate across multiple execution venues.
"This move will also reduce the back office complexities associated with MiFID," he adds.
The coalition partners say participation in the initiative is open to all European execution venues.
The initiative could prove a precursor to development of a consolidated data feed, an issue which came to the fore recently following the day-long shut down of the London Stock Exchange's trading system. The majority of traders did not switch to alternative execution venues because they still rely on the LSE to provide benchmark pricing data.