What is a ticker — and what is an ISIN code?
A ticker is a stock's short nickname on the exchange — for example AAPL for Apple in the US or NOVO B for Novo Nordisk in Copenhagen. An ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) is a 12-character code that uniquely identifies the security worldwide — for example US0378331005. The ticker is easy to remember but can differ from exchange to exchange. The ISIN is the same everywhere and is the one you use when it has to be exactly right.
When to use which
- To look up and talk about stocks: Ticker. "AAPL" is quicker than "Apple Inc. listed on Nasdaq".
- To be sure it is the right fund: ISIN. Two ETFs can have almost the same name and the same ticker on different exchanges — but they never share an ISIN.
- For tax lists such as the Danish positive list: ISIN. The list is sorted by it.
How to read an ISIN
US0378331005: The first two letters are the country where the security is registered (US = United States, DK = Denmark, IE = Ireland, LU = Luxembourg). The next nine characters are a serial number. The last is a check digit. Most ETFs Europeans buy start with IE or LU — because the funds are domiciled there, even though the stocks inside are from all over the world.
Ticker traps
The same company has different tickers on different exchanges, and some tickers get reused. "NOVO B" in Copenhagen and "NVO" in New York are the same company; the latter is an ADR — a US certificate for foreign shares. Danish stocks with A and B after the name (NOVO B, MAERSK B) are two share classes with different voting rights. If in doubt, check the ISIN.
The typical beginner's mistake
Buying an ETF by name alone and getting the wrong variant — distributing instead of accumulating, or one that is not on your country's approved list. The funds have almost the same names. Copy the ISIN from the fund's factsheet and search for it in the trading window.
How you see it in Kiggo
In Kiggo you need no codes — you type the company's name and Kiggo finds the stock. The stock's page shows the ticker and the exchange, and for ETFs also the ISIN, so you can take it to your bank or your tax authority. Kiggo does not trade; the codes are there so you can find the right security where you do trade.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What does the B in NOVO B mean?
That it is the company's B share. Many Danish companies have A shares with more votes (often held by a foundation or family) and B shares, which are the ones traded on the exchange. Economically they are usually equal.
Where do I find the ISIN?
In the fund's key information document (KID), on your provider's page for the security, and on the issuer's website. Search for the ISIN in the trading window to be sure you hit the right one.
Can two securities have the same ticker?
Yes, on different exchanges. A ticker is only unique within one exchange. An ISIN is unique worldwide.
Kiggo explains — Kiggo does not advise. We never tell you what to buy or sell, and key figures can only be compared between companies in the same industry. The decision is yours. Last updated 2026-09-23.
Written by Claus Frisch, founder of Kiggo. Not an adviser, not a bank — Kiggo explains, you decide.
