A limit order is a type of order that specifies the maximum price you are willing to pay for a security or the minimum price you are willing to accept for a security.

How Limit Orders Work:

• Setting a Limit Price: You specify a limit price, which is the maximum price you are willing to pay for an asset or the minimum price you are willing to accept.
• Market Matching: When the market price reaches your limit price, the order is filled at that price.
• Order Remaining: If the market price does not reach your limit price, your order remains unfilled.
• Fill or Cancel: Your order is either filled at your limit price or canceled when the market closes.

Types of Limit Orders:

• Market Limit Order: Matches your limit price with the best available price in the market at the time of the order.
• Limit-On-Close Order: Fills your order at the limit price when the market closes, regardless of the price at the time of execution.
• Stop-Limit Order: Limits your loss to the stop price and fills your order at the limit price if it reaches the stop price or the limit price, whichever is reached first.

Advantages:

• Price Precision: Limit orders allow you to specify a precise price for your order, reducing potential slippage.
• Control Over Execution: You have more control over the execution of your order, as it will only be filled at your specified limit price.
• Potential for Lower Costs: Limit orders can potentially result in lower transaction costs compared to market orders.

Disadvantages:

• Order Not Fills: If the market price does not reach your limit price, your order may not be filled.
• Price Fluctuations: Limit orders can be affected by price fluctuations, which can lead to order cancellations or partial fills.
• Potential for Delays: Limit orders can sometimes be delayed due to market volatility or order book imbalances.

Examples:

• Placing a limit order to buy stock XYZ at $100.
• Placing a limit order to sell stock ABC at $50.

Note: Limit orders are commonly used by investors who want to limit their risk or ensure that their orders are filled at a specific price.