What Is a Limit Order?

A limit order is a type of order used in trading securities that allows the investor to set a maximum buy price or minimum sell price for a security. When placing a limit order, the investor specifies the price at which they are willing to buy or sell the security, and the order will only be executed if the market price reaches that specified price or better.

A buy limit order is used to buy a security at a specified price or lower, while a sell limit order is used to sell a security at a specified price or higher. Limit orders are often used by investors who want to control the price at which they buy or sell a security, and to avoid buying or selling at unfavorable prices.

Limit Order Examples

Here are examples of buy limit orders and sell limit orders:

• Buy Limit Order: Let’s say that you want to buy 100 shares of XYZ Company, which is currently trading at $50 per share, but you don’t want to pay more than $48 per share. You can place a buy limit order with a limit price of $48. This means that your order will be executed only if the market price of the stock drops to $48 or lower. If the price doesn’t drop to $48, your order will not be executed.
• Sell Limit Order: Suppose that you own 200 shares of ABC Company, which is currently trading at $75 per share, and you want to sell your shares only if the price reaches $80 or higher. You can place a sell limit order with a limit price of $80. This means that your order will be executed only if the market price of the stock reaches $80 or higher. If the price doesn’t reach $80, your order will not be executed, and you will continue to hold your shares.

In both of these examples, the limit order allows the investor to specify the maximum price they are willing to pay for a security (in the case of a buy limit order) or the minimum price they are willing to sell it for (in the case of a sell limit order), helping them to manage their investment risk and achieve their desired buying or selling price.

Limit Order vs. Market Order

The main difference between a limit order and a market order is the price at which the order is executed.

A market order is an order to buy or sell a security immediately at the current market price. When you place a market order, you are essentially telling your broker to buy or sell the security at the best available price in the market at that moment. Market orders are typically filled quickly, as they are executed at the prevailing market price. However, the actual execution price of the market order is not guaranteed, and it may differ from the expected price due to sudden changes in market conditions.

A limit order, on the other hand, is an order to buy or sell a security at a specific price or better. When you place a limit order, you specify the price at which you are willing to buy or sell the security, and the order will only be executed if the market price reaches that specified price or better. Limit orders offer more control over the execution price, as they allow you to set a maximum price for a buy order or a minimum price for a sell order. However, the execution of the order is not guaranteed, and it may not be filled if the market does not reach the specified price.

In summary, a market order guarantees execution, but not the execution price, while a limit order guarantees the execution price, but not the execution itself. Both types of orders have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the investor’s trading strategy, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

The Bottom Line

It’s important to note that limit orders may not be executed immediately or at all, as they are subject to market conditions and the availability of matching buy or sell orders. It’s also important to carefully consider the limit price you set, as it will determine the price at which your order will be executed, and to monitor the order’s status to ensure it is filled according to your desired terms.