The term AMEX Alternative refers to alternative stock exchanges to the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). The NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) is a 6-letter stock exchange that is the largest electronic screen-based equity securities market in the world. The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is a 3-letter government agency that regulates the securities industry. COS (Consolidated Quotation System) is a 3-letter system that provides real-time quotes for over-the-counter (OTC) stocks. SPIDER (Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts) is a 6-letter system that allows investors to buy and sell stocks listed on the OTC market. Lastly, the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) is a 4-letter stock exchange that is the largest physical exchange in the world.