Ticker tape is a thin strip of paper that was used to transmit stock market information in real-time. It was originally developed in the late 19th century and displayed stock prices, trading volumes, and other financial data. The information was sent over telegraph lines and printed out on the tape, allowing investors to keep track of market movements. The ticker tape machine, which printed this information, became a vital tool for traders and brokers. As technology advanced, ticker tape evolved into digital displays, but the term "ticker" is still used today to refer to the scrolling stock price updates seen on financial news channels and websites.