Market order

A market order asks to trade right now, at whatever price is available.

It is the fastest way in and the least certain on price. In a quiet market the fill is usually within a point or two of what you saw.

Around a news release the available price can be far from the last one you saw, which is called slippage.

Related terms

Limit orderSlippageBid and ask

A definition, not financial advice. Trading carries a risk of loss.

All 64 terms