Stop-Loss vs Stop-Limit: Differences, Benefits & Risks

Because they missed their chance to get out, they will simply wait for the price to go back up. They may not wish to sell at that limit price at that point, in case the stock continues to rise. Stop-loss and stop-limit orders can provide different types of protection for both long and short investors. Stop-loss orders guarantee execution, while stop-limit orders guarantee the price. When a stop-loss is triggered, it will execute the contract at the market price, not the stop-loss price.

Our sale of Stock A will trigger at $10 per share, but we have no control over the price that stock will actually sell for. A price limit can be ensured by stop-limit orders, but the deal may not be carried out, particularly if the asset price is moving quickly. Stop-limit orders are used when an asset’s price has fallen below the limit price but the trader does not want to sell at the current low. They are willing to wait for the price to rise once more to the limit price.

Stop-Loss Strategy

Suppose that Stock A opens at $7 per share, below both your $8 stop price and your $7.75 limit. However, slippage poses a risk, particularly in the highly volatile crypto market. On the other hand, the stop-limit order carries the risk of non-execution. That can expose your position to greater risks without any additional safeguards. A buy-stop order is entered at a stop price above the current market price (in essence “stopping” the stock from getting away from you as it rises). Note, even if the stock reached the specified limit price, your order may not be filled, because there may be orders ahead of yours.

Be sure to check if this option is available at your brokerage firm and how they define prices so you know when your order would execute. Assume that the stock price of a company is trading at $40 and you are unsure of the direction https://www.bigshotrading.info/blog/bull-vs-bear-market-all-differences/ it will take. So, you wait for the stock to create a well-defined direction. A stop limit order combines concepts of limit orders and stop loss orders. Let us show it with an example (or take a look at what a stop limit order is).

Stop loss vs. stop limit: a verdict

It greatly maximizes profit and minimizes loss, without forcing you to think about it. With any investment, you will lose at most, the trailing stop amount. Before you jump into the market, make sure you have an exit strategy taken care of. You can easily maximize profit and minimize loss with one move.

“So you’re basically looking to buy the stock once it starts getting on an upward trajectory. On the other hand, there’s only so much that you can afford to pay, which is why you need to cap it.” The stop price and limit price don’t have to be the same amount. The stop price you set triggers the execution of the order and is based on the price at which the stock was last traded. The limit price you set is the limit that sets price constraints on the trade and must be executed at that price or better. In this case, you can place a sell-stop at $4,260 and a buy limit at $4,213.

Want to learn more about order types?

Many exchanges and platforms offer stop-loss orders to help traders reduce the maximum amount of loss they could suffer. They can also be used to guarantee profits, by ensuring that a stock is sold before it falls below purchasing price. This Article does not offer the purchase or sale of any financial instruments or related services. It’s important to understand that stop-limit orders don’t have to close at a loss.

If Stock A hits $10, your portfolio will immediately try to sell your Stock A shares. After hours quotes made outside of regular trading hours can differ significantly from quotes made during regular trading hours. Stop orders configured to trigger outside of regular NYSE trading hours with a trigger method set to Bid/Ask may trigger in illiquid markets and/or on quotes with wide bid/ask spreads. With the exception of single stock futures, simulated stop orders in U.S. futures contracts will only be triggered during regular trading hours unless you select otherwise.

Explaining the Trailing Stop Limit and a Better Alternative

However, before choosing a combination of stop order types, it is best to understand the options available to you and evaluate how each one can influence your strategy. An investor can execute a stop-limit order on stop loss v stop limit their trades through their investment brokerage firm, though not all brokerages may offer this option. Additionally, brokerages may have different definitions for determining if a stop or limit price has been met.