Up Tick A term used to designate a transaction made at a price higher than the preceding transaction. Also called a plus tick. A zero plus tick is a term used for a transaction at the same price as the preceding trade but higher than the preceding different price. Conversely, a down tick, or minus tick is a term used to designate a transaction made at a price lower than the preceding trade. A plus sign or minus sign is displayed throughout the day. They are attached to the last price of each stock, and can be seen on the trading post at the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.