Orders & Market Structure

Market order

An order seeking prompt execution at the best available prices; the execution price is not guaranteed.

Plain-English context

Put the definition to work.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE

A market buy for 200 shares can consume a $50 offer for 100 and a $50.10 offer for another 100; priority of execution does not guarantee one price.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

Execution priority does not assure one price, immediate execution during a halt or unlimited available liquidity.

Further reading and verification. Examples are hypothetical, not current quotes or recommendations. Product terms, tax treatment and market rules can change. FINRA — order types and execution

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