This U.S. Census Bureau NAICS-based industry comprises establishments primarily engaged as principals in buying and selling investment instruments other than securities or commodity contracts.

Cross-References.

• Establishments primarily engaged in underwriting, originating, and/or maintaining markets for issues for securities; investment bankers act as principals (i.e., investors who buy or sell on their own account) in firm commitment transactions or act as agents in best effort and standby commitments--are classified in Industry 523110, Investment Banking and Securities Dealing;
• Establishments acting as principals in buying or selling securities generally on a spread basis, such as securities dealers or stock option dealers--are classified in Industry 523110, Investment Banking and Securities Dealing;
• Establishments acting as agents (i.e. brokers) between buyers and sellers in buying or selling securities on a commission or transaction fee basis--are classified in Industry 523120, Securities Brokerage;
• Establishments primarily engaged in buying and selling spot or futures commodity contracts or options--are classified in Industry 523130, Commodity Contracts Dealing;
• Establishments acting as agents (i.e., brokers) in buying or selling spot or future commodity contracts or options on a commission or transaction fee basis--are classified in Industry 523140, Commodity Contracts Brokerage; and
• Establishments acting as principals (i.e., investors who buy or sell for their own account) in buying or selling spot or futures commodity contracts or options--are classified in Industry 523130, Commodity Contracts Dealing.