← Glossary
Market order
An order to buy or sell at once, at whatever price is available.
A market order is filled straight away against the best waiting orders on the other side — a buy at the ask, a sell at the bid. If it is larger than what is offered at the best price, the rest fills at the next prices.
It is certain to trade but not certain of its price, which matters most in thinly traded shares and outside regular hours.