Is it true that their HAS to be a buyer of a stock for you to sell it?

My question is regards to the 1929 crash of the stock market. How were people able to sell all there stocks right away?


Doesnt there always have to be a buyer?


Are there ever times when you cannot sell your stock anymore? because nobody wants it?


somebody please explain how this works.


thanks.Is it true that their HAS to be a buyer of a stock for you to sell it?
Yes, there needs to be a buyer to sell stock.





What happens sometimes is that you hold stock that no one will buy. At any price. Many stocks have been delisted from the exchanges for this reason: no one wants to buy the stock.





I've held stock that I've tried to sell ';at market'; and not had any buyers! When I sell ';at market'; I'm basically saying that I'll accept anything. Even 1 cent/share. But, even then, no one wants it.





In 1929, there are several factors. However, to zero in on your question... people were selling stocks at significantly lower prices as compared to pre-crash conditions.





For example (as these are made-up numbers), Jack might have purchased 100 shares of Big Railroad stock for $10/share. After the crash, the buyers are willing to pay only $1/share. Jack can either hold onto his shares or sell them at a loss. Many people sold at a loss. Those that held onto their shares for years got their money back and then some.





Of course, if Big Railroad went bankrupt, then this stock would never rebound.





Now...





If you hold ';worthless'; stock, the IRS allows you to dispose of it. Many brokers will give you a minimal amount (like $1, but then they'll charge you a fee of at least $1) to ';buy'; it from you.Is it true that their HAS to be a buyer of a stock for you to sell it?
Yes, there must be a buyer in order to complete a sale. If there are no buyers the price will fall to zero. Generally, that is not the case. But in the 1929 example above, prices fell until buyers were attracted.
Yes there has to be a buyer. In 1929 many people could not sell their stock because sellers massively outstripped buyers. When this situation happens prices will continue to fall to a point where there is sufficient demand.





Under current regulation market makers (usually banks) are required by law to create a market on both sides (buy and sell) for a stock. So if you have stock you will always be able to sell it, however this could be at any price.
Not true. Have to understand what a market is. People could not sell in 1929 either until prices were marked down a lot. Not important to know this.
I am wondering about same question, thanks for pointing this one out.