The "spread", is the difference between the "bid" and the "offer" price and is it how thebroker takes a commission
. The bid price is always slightlyhigher than the offer price. For example, if the offerprice (market value) is selling at 150p, than the "bid" (buy) price offered by thebroker will be 151p. Thedifference in value is the commission or "spread".