StockTwits created the $ prefix for stocks (e.g. $AAPL). StockTwits is an open, community-powered idea and information service for the investment and trading community.
StockTwits organizes conversations around a company $TICKER (i.e. $AAPL). This makes it easy to find ideas and information about the stocks and companies you follow. Search for stocks, explore trending tickers, share charts and follow other investors and traders around the world.