In the highly dynamic and fast-paced world of financial markets, trading orders play a crucial role in determining the success of an investment. To make informed decisions, investors need to be familiar with various types of orders available in their country’s market.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of three commonly used orders in Singapore’s stock market, discussing how each of these orders works, when they should be placed, and the best ways to implement them. Whether you’re a novice trader or a seasoned investor seeking to enhance your understanding, this article will provide valuable insights on executing various types of orders in the Singapore market.
Market orders
A market order is a type of order that instructs the broker to buy or sell securities at the current market price. It is considered the most straightforward and quick way to enter or exit a trade, making it popular among traders. Market orders are executed almost instantaneously and guarantee execution but do not guarantee the price at which the trade will be executed. An ETF broker in Singapore typically offers market orders as a default option for traders and investors.
However, there are specific scenarios when using a market order may not be the most suitable option. For instance, if the market is highly volatile or lacks liquidity, placing a market order can result in execution at an undesirable price, known as slippage. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the market conditions before placing a market order.
One of the best practices while using a market order is to place it at the beginning of a trading session when the liquidity in the market is high. It ensures the trade is executed at or close to the current market price, minimising the risk of slippage. Investors should consider using limit orders instead of market orders when trading highly volatile assets or releasing significant economic data, as these events can significantly impact market prices and increase the risk of slippage.
Limit orders
A limit order is a directive to purchase or sell a security at a designated price or better. In contrast to market orders, limit orders offer investors more significant influence over the execution price of a trade, providing enhanced control. When buying, a limit order can only be executed at or below the specified limit price, and when selling, it can only be executed at or above the limit price.
One of the significant advantages of using limit orders is that they allow investors to capitalise on market volatility by setting a specific entry or exit price for a trade. It also helps in avoiding slippage, which is common in market orders. However, it should be noted that limit orders do not guarantee execution and can remain unfilled if the market does not reach the specified limit price.
ETF brokers in Singapore offer different types of limit orders, such as buy-limit orders, sell-limit orders, stop-limit orders, and trailing-stop orders. Buy-limit orders are used when the investor wants to buy a security at a price lower than the current market price. On the other hand, sell-limit orders are used to sell a security higher than the current market price.
Stop-limit orders combine features of both stop and limit orders, allowing investors to specify a stop price for triggering an order and a limit price for execution. Trailing-stop orders, on the other hand, continuously update the stop price based on market movements, allowing investors to lock in profits and limit losses.
Stop orders
A stop order is an instruction to buy or sell a security at a specified price known as the stop price, after which it becomes a market order. Stop orders limit losses or protect profits in a trade by triggering the execution of a trade at a predetermined price.
In Singapore, ETF brokers typically provide two types of stop orders: buy-stop and sell-stop orders. Buy-stop orders are placed at a price higher than the current market price, while sell-stop orders are placed at a lower price. Investors should use buy-stop orders when they expect the price to increase and sell-stop orders when they anticipate a price decrease.
While stop orders can protect investors from significant losses, they also carry the risk of slippage, similar to market orders. Therefore, it is essential to carefully analyse market conditions before placing a stop order and consider using limit orders during highly volatile market conditions.
Conclusion
Market orders, limit orders, and stop orders are essential tools for investors in Singapore’s stock market. Each order has advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial to understand when and how to implement them effectively. By following the best practices, investors can make informed decisions and improve their chances of success in trading. With the proper knowledge and strategies, investors can harness the power of different types of orders to achieve their investment goals. So, it is essential to continually educate oneself about various trading practices and develop a well-rounded approach towards investments.