Conditional orders are a handy tool for stock traders in Singapore, allowing them to take advantage of market conditions without constantly monitoring their accounts. They enable investors to set parameters regarding the price at which they prefer to enter or exit a position and determine when and how they want their order filled.
Types of orders
These orders come in various types, including stop-loss, limit, one cancels other (OCO), trailing stops/stops limits and more. This article will explore the different conditional order types available and discuss how traders can leverage these advanced order types in stock trading.
Stop-loss orders are designed to protect against a sudden downturn in the market by exiting a position if it drops below a predetermined level. This order type is beneficial for traders who want to limit their risk exposure, as it helps them set a “maximum losses” limit that they are willing to accept in the event of an unexpected market crash.
Limit orders allow investors to enter a trade below or above the current market price. These stock orders can be used to take advantage of favourable prices, ensuring that investors don’t miss out on opportunities when stocks become available at advantageous prices. Limit orders also protect from sudden market movements, allowing investors to cap their potential losses if the stock moves against them.
One Cancels Other (OCO) orders combine two conditional orders into one single order execution. In this order type, two orders are placed, but only one will be executed. It is usually used when investors want to limit their potential gains or losses, as it allows them to take advantage of favourable prices while limiting their exposure to risk if the stock moves against them.
Trailing stops/stop limits provide additional protection for investors looking to protect themselves from sudden market movements while also locking in profits. In this order type, investors can set a predetermined stop-loss percentage to trigger an exit once the stock price drops below a specific percentage based on the current price, allowing it to move up (or down) accordingly as the stock moves.
Other types of stock orders
Investors can use several other types besides those mentioned above regarding stock orders. For instance, market orders are placed with a broker to buy or sell securities at the current market price. These orders allow for quick execution but do not guarantee specific prices or the time of execution, as prices can fluctuate very quickly.
Another type of order is the fill-or-kill (FOK) order, which requires a broker to immediately fill an order at its specified price or cancel it altogether. This order is usually used when traders want to ensure their orders are filled with minimal slippage and maximum certainty.
There are also day and good until cancelled (GTC) orders, which provide more flexibility for investors who want to remain in a position over time. Day orders require brokers to execute them within one trading day before they expire automatically. GTC orders expire once the investor cancels them manually or a predetermined date passes.
Investors looking for even more control over their trades can use pegged orders to set specific entry/exit levels by fixing the bid/ask spread or limit/stop price around a specified level, depending on market conditions.
There are also options such as bracket orders which enable traders to place multiple conditional orders like stop-losses and limit around a single entry order at once to protect against losses while locking in profits when possible.
These different types of stock orders give investors various choices regarding entering and exiting positions on their portfolio investments, giving them greater control over managing their trade decisions according to their risk appetite and investment objectives. Traders in Singapore should consider using an online broker like Saxotrader, which offers a wide range of advanced order types to ensure they have the flexibility and control they want over their positions.
Conclusion
There are various order types available to stock traders that can be used to maximise their trading potential and protect themselves from risk. Stop-loss orders help limit losses, while limit orders allow investors to take advantage of favourable prices when they become available. One Cancels Other (OCO) orders combine two conditional orders into one execution. Trailing stops and limits protect against sudden market movements while locking in profits. By leveraging the various advanced order types available, traders can gain better control over their trades and increase their chances of profitability.
