What happens when a stop order is triggered?

Asked by: Antonio Gulgowski  |  Last update: January 3, 2026
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

When a stop order is submitted, it is sent to the execution venue and placed on the order book, where it remains until the stop triggers, expires, or is canceled by the trader. Once triggered, a stop order becomes a market order, which will generally result in an execution.

What happens if the market opens below my stop-loss?

If a trader places a stop-loss order and the market opens below that price, the order will be filled near the opening price, regardless of how far below that price.

What happens to open positions when stop-loss is triggered?

Stop-loss orders allow investors to automatically cut their losses when a price level set in advance (the trigger price) is reached. From a technical perspective, a stop loss order is a trigger order that closes an open position by executing an order of the same size in the opposite direction.

Does a stop order turn into a market order?

A stop order, also referred to as a stop-loss order is an order to buy or sell a stock once the price of the stock reaches the specified price, known as the stop price. When the stop price is reached, a stop order becomes a market order. A buy stop order is entered at a stop price above the current market price.

How are sell stop orders triggered?

A sell stop order is entered at a stop price below the current market price. If the stock drops to the stop price (or trades below it), the stop order to sell is triggered and becomes a market order to be executed at the market's current price. A sell stop order is not guaranteed to execute near your stop price.

Trading Up-Close: Stop and Stop-Limit Orders

44 related questions found

What happens when a stop loss order is triggered?

Stop-Loss Order

The stop-loss triggers if the stock falls to $25, at which point the trader's order becomes a market order and is executed at the next available bid. This means the order could fill lower or higher than $25 depending on the next bid price.

What are the risks of a stop order?

What are the risks of using stop orders?
  1. Gaps: Stop orders are vulnerable to pricing gaps, which can sometimes occur between trading sessions or during pauses in trading, such as trading halts. ...
  2. Fast markets: How fast prices move can also affect the execution price.

Can you reverse a stop order?

A stop order is an agreement between you and your bank. You instruct the bank to make a series of future-dated repeat payments on your behalf. You can instruct the bank to cancel the stop order at any time.

What order when triggered becomes a market order?

Stop Order.

This is an order to buy or sell a security once the price of the security reaches a specified price, known as the "stop price." When this stop price is reached, the order automatically turns into a market order and is executed as soon as possible at the current market price.

Is a stop order visible to the market?

Additionally, if you place a stop order with a broker, the order may be visible within that broker's system, and some brokers might route this information to market makers, depending on their order handling practices. It's always important to understand the policies of your broker regarding order visibility.

What is the 7% stop-loss rule?

Always sell a stock it if falls 7%-8% below what you paid for it. This basic principle helps you always cap your potential downside. If you're following rules for how to buy stocks and a stock you own drops 7% to 8% from what you paid for it, something is wrong.

What is the disadvantage of stop-loss order?

One disadvantage of the stop-loss order concerns price gaps. If a stock price suddenly gaps below (or above) the stop price, the order would trigger. The stock would be sold (or bought) at the next available price even if the stock is trading sharply away from your stop loss level.

Will open positions remain open even when my stop-loss is triggered?

No, open positions will remain open except in certain market conditions, ex. if Stop Loss or Take Profit is triggered, or bulk closing on futures. Trailing Stops and Expert Advisors become inactive when your trading account is offline.

What is the best stop-loss strategy?

What stop-loss percentage should I use? According to research, the most effective stop-loss levels for maximizing returns while limiting losses are between 15% and 20%. These levels strike a balance between allowing some market fluctuation and protecting against significant downturns.

Should you always trade with a stop-loss?

Stop loss orders aren't always appropriate

For example, in highly volatile markets, stop loss orders aren't always advisable. This is because prices can rise and fall dramatically in a short time. Let's say you've set a stop loss of 10% and you're buying securities in a volatile market such as forex.

What is the stop-loss rule?

There are tax rules, known as the “stop-loss” rules (which include the “superficial loss” rules) that can prevent you or your corporation from claiming this capital loss. These rules apply when the transfer is considered to be made without any real intention of disposing of the property.

Is it better to buy at market or limit?

While you could place a market order to be sure the trade executes right away, setting this limit order guarantees you don't overpay if the stock's price jumps unexpectedly. If the trade doesn't execute, you can either set a new limit order at a different price or use a market order to execute the trade.

How to sell stock immediately?

KEVIN: A market order is your go-to when you want to get out of a trade as quickly as possible during standard market hours. Generally, they execute immediately, but remember, the trade-off here is price. You will receive the current price, which could be different from the last bid you saw.

What is the difference between a stop-loss and a stop limit?

A stop-loss order guarantees a transaction, but not a price. A stop-limit order guarantees a price, but not a transaction. What kind of order you use can make a big difference in the price you pay and the returns you earn. So it's important to be familiar with the different types of stock orders.

Is a stop order guaranteed?

A stop order typically ensures that your trade is executed, but it does not guarantee the price. It can provide protection during regular market hours, but in a volatile market, you have no control over the price you'll get and you may face a larger than anticipated loss.

What's the difference between a stop order and a debit order?

3. What is the difference between a debit order and a stop order? A stop order is an instruction that a consumer gives to their bank to make a series of future dated recurring payments. A debit order is an instruction that a consumer gives to a service provider to collect payment against the consumer's account.

Who issues a stop order?

For example, in California, the Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) has authority to issue a Stop Order where there is no workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees. The municipal or city government may govern these orders as well.

Which is typically considered the riskiest type of investment?

Equities are generally considered the riskiest class of assets. Dividends aside, they offer no guarantees, and investors' money is subject to the successes and failures of private businesses in a fiercely competitive marketplace.

What does a limit order to sell at $2 mean?

Investors place a stop order to ensure they can exit the position before the loss grows too large. Conversely, a limit order to sell at $2 means the stock will be sold only when the price reaches $2 or a higher price.

What is a stop order policy?

Definition. In the financial world, a “stop” refers to a type of order that is executed once a certain price has been reached. A stop order is a request to buy or sell a financial instrument at a specific price (the stop price). Using a stop order allows you to have more control over your market orders.