Market Order

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Market Order'

An order that an investor makes through a broker or brokerage service to buy or sell an investment immediately at the best available current price. A market order is the default option and is likely to be executed because it does not contain restrictions on the buy/sell price or the timeframe in which the order can be executed.

A market order is also sometimes referred to as an "unrestricted order."
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Market Order'

A market order guarantees execution, and it often has low commissions due to the minimal work brokers need to do. Be wary of using market orders on stocks with a low average daily volume: in such market conditions the ask price can be a lot higher than the current market price (resulting in a large spread). In other words, you may end up paying a whole lot more than you originally anticipated! It is much safer to use a market order on high-volume stocks.

Related Definitions

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  • Market If Touched - MIT

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    • Order

      The instruction, by a customer to a brokerage, for the purchase or sale of a security with specific conditions.
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      1. The difference between the bid and the ask price of a security or asset. 2. An options position established by purchasing one option and selling another option of the same class but ...
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    • At Best

      An order to fill a transaction at the most desirable price available, and as quickly as possible. At-best transactions can either be applied to equities or currencies where the trader ...
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    • Pre-Market

      A period of trading activity that occurs before the regular market session. The pre-market trading session typically occurs between 8:00 - 9:30 A.M. EST each trading day. Many investors ...
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    • Split Block Pricing

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    • Held Order

      A market order that must be promptly executed so that the request is immediately filled. In most cases, the trader will be required to hit the bid for purchase orders or, in case of a ...
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