Market visualizations

Abstract In a $k$ -replica Edgeworth box economy, we compare outcomes of laboratory markets in which human traders have different visualizations available on their screens. Novel visualizations include a heat map that shows at a glance the value of all feasible portfolios (i.e., final allocations); a geometric display of the order book; and order entry via point-and-click on the heat map. Efficiency metrics focus on allocations, prices and profitability. Compared to the traditional text-oriented trader screen for the continuous double auction, we find that the novel features generally increase all three efficiency metrics.