If you want to trade forex, there are specific forex terminologies you need to understand before you can apply them effectively. Buy limit and buy stop orders are examples of trade orders used in different situations to execute forex trades. If you want to learn what they mean and the best ways to use them, keep reading this article until the end.
What is a buy limit order in forex trading?
A buy limit order is an order to buy a currency pair at a specific price or lower. A buy limit order is placed below the current market price and is typically used to take advantage of an expected dip in the currency pair’s price. This type of order is also known as a stop-limit order.
When the market price reaches the buy limit price, the order is automatically executed at the specified price or lower. The order will not be executed if the market price never reaches the buy limit price.
When is it appropriate to use a buy limit order?
A buy limit order may be appropriate when:
- You expect the currency pair’s price to fall and want to take advantage of that expected dip by buying at a lower price. This means that you think the market has overreacted to a news event or other development and that the price will soon return to more realistic levels.
- You want to buy at a certain level, but you have reasons to believe that the price might dip below that level before you have a chance to enter your order, so you place a buy limit order to ensure that you get into the market at your desired price.
- You want to set a maximum price you are willing to pay for a currency pair
- You have already bought the currency pair at a higher price and want to place a buy limit order in case the price falls so that you can sell at a profit.
What is a buy-stop order in forex trading?
A buy-stop order is an order to buy a currency pair at a specific price or higher. A buy-stop order is placed above the current market price and is typically used to take advantage of an expected rally in the currency pair’s price.
When the market price reaches the buy stop price, the order is automatically executed at the specified price or higher. The order will not be executed if the market price never reaches the buy stop price.
When is it appropriate to use a buy-stop order?
A buy-stop order may be appropriate when:
- You expect the currency pair’s price to rise and want to take advantage of that expected rally by buying at a higher price. This means that you think the market has underreacted to a news event or other development and that the price will soon return to more realistic levels.
- You want to buy at a certain level, but you have reasons to believe that the price might rally above that level before you have a chance to enter your order, so you place a buy stop order to ensure that you get into the market at your desired price.
- You want to set a minimum price you are willing to pay for a currency pair.
- You have already sold the currency pair at a lower price and want to place a buy-stop order in case the price rallies so that you can buy back at a profit.
The difference between a buy limit and buy stop order in forex trading
The main difference between a buy limit and a buy stop order is that a buy limit order is placed below the current market price while a buy stop order is placed above the current market price. A buy limit order is typically used to take advantage of an expected dip in the currency pair’s price. In contrast, a buy-stop order is generally used to take advantage of an expected rally in the currency pair’s price.
Which is better: a buy limit or buy stop order?
In summary, a buy limit order is placed below the current market price, while a buy stop order is placed above the current market price. A buy limit order is typically used to take advantage of an expected dip in the currency pair’s price. In contrast, a buy-stop order is generally used to take advantage of an expected rally in the currency pair’s price. There is no definitive answer to which type of order is better; it depends on the specific situation.