#OrderTypes101

Order types are instructions investors use to buy or sell securities, like stocks or options, specifying how a trade should be executed. The most common is the market order, which buys or sells immediately at the current market price. It’s fast but offers no price control, so you might pay more or receive less than expected in volatile markets. Limit orders let you set a specific price: you’ll only buy at or below your limit, or sell at or above it. They give price control but may not execute if the market doesn’t hit your price. Stop orders trigger a market order when a stock hits a set price, often used to limit losses (stop-loss) or lock in profits. For example, a stop-loss at $50 sells if the stock drops to that level. Stop-limit orders combine stop and limit, triggering a limit order instead, but execution isn’t guaranteed. Day orders expire if not filled by the market’s close, while good-till-canceled (GTC) orders stay active until executed or canceled. More advanced types, like all-or-none (AON) or fill-or-kill (FOK), impose strict conditions on execution. Each type balances speed, price control, and execution certainty, depending on your strategy and market conditions. Always consider fees and risks before trading.