#OrderTypes101
There are several types of order types used in trading, particularly in cryptocurrency markets. Here's a breakdown:
*Common Order Types:*
- *Market Order*: An instruction to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at the best available market price, ensuring instant execution. This type of order prioritizes speed over price control, which can lead to slippage.
- *Pros*: Guaranteed execution, simplicity, and efficiency.
- *Cons*: Potential for unfavorable price changes, especially with large orders.
- *Limit Order*: An instruction to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a specific price set by the trader. The order is only executed when the market reaches the specified price.
- *Pros*: More control over prices, flexibility, and reduced risk.
- *Cons*: No guarantee of execution, and orders are prioritized by price and time.
- *Stop Order*: An instruction to buy or sell a cryptocurrency when it reaches a specific price (stop price), converting into a market order.
- *Pros*: Helps limit losses or lock in profits, useful in volatile markets.
- *Cons*: No guarantee of execution at the desired price due to slippage.
- *Stop-Limit Order*: A combination of stop and limit orders, allowing traders to set a stop price and a limit price.
- *Pros*: More control over execution prices, useful for managing risk.
- *Cons*: No guarantee of execution, and orders may be partially filled.
*Additional Order Types:*
- *Good 'Til Canceled (GTC)*: Orders remain active until executed or canceled.
- *Immediate or Cancel (IOC)*: Orders are executed immediately, and any unfilled portion is canceled.
- *Fill or Kill (FOC)*: Orders are executed only if the entire amount can be filled; otherwise, they're canceled ¹.