Also to add to Lowtrade's post-
remember that when people buy at the ask - is because they want a position in the stock of the company - usually in anticipation of
good news which means the ask will eventually become the bid.
When people sell at the bid - it is the opposite effect - they are anticipating the price of stock will go lower and want to get an immeadiate exit.
The smarter ones play outside these ranges and look to buy or sell into spikes for profits or bargain hunting. I am not suggesting buying and selling at bid/ask prices isn't smart here, but it is more of timing than anything. Just like anything in this world, you can always pay the asking prices, but before you buy, have you looked or waited for a better deal.
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