Open orders are automatically matched and executed on a first-come-first-served basis based on the price and the time of the order and in such a way to create the best available execution for both parties based on the available order book.
Depending on the number of orders and the quantity of shares offered, orders may be filled entirely, partially, or not at all. A buy order will only execute at the limit price or lower, and a sell order will only execute at the limit price or higher.
All orders are “limit orders" in which you specify a “limit price” at and quantity for which you are willing to transact. Limit orders depend on whether you are buying or selling:
Buy orders: the “limit price” entered is the highest price at which you are willing to pay.
Sell orders: the “limit price” entered is the lowest price at which you are willing to sell.
Buy orders will only match at the limit price or lower and a sell order will only match at the limit price or higher.
Example:
- Buy Order 1: buy order for 10 shares, at a limit price of $10 entered at 3:00 PM
- Buy Order 2: buy order for 10 shares, at a limit price of $10 at 3:05 PM
- Sell Order 1: sell order for 10 shares, at a limit price of $10 at 3:10 PM
A trade would match and execute between Buy Order 1 and Sell Order 1.
Buy Order 2 would still be open.
Why was my order only partially filled?
When is the trading market open?