FxPro Help Centre - Glossary

Pending Order

Definition

A pending order is a type of order used in financial trading, including forex, that allows traders to specify conditions for the execution of a trade in the future, rather than executing the trade immediately at the current market price. When placing a pending order, traders set certain parameters, such as price levels and time frames, at which they want the order to be executed.

Types of Pending Orders

There are several types of pending orders commonly used in forex trading:

  1. Buy Stop: A buy stop order is placed above the current market price and is triggered when the price reaches or exceeds the specified level. It is used to enter a long position in anticipation of the price continuing to rise.
  2. Sell Stop: A sell stop order is placed below the current market price and is triggered when the price reaches or falls below the specified level. It is used to enter a short position in anticipation of the price continuing to fall.
  3. Buy Limit: A buy limit order is placed below the current market price and is triggered when the price reaches or falls to the specified level. It is used to enter a long position at a more favorable price.
  4. Sell Limit: A sell limit order is placed above the current market price and is triggered when the price reaches or exceeds the specified level. It is used to enter a short position at a more favorable price.

Advantages of Pending Orders

Pending orders offer several advantages to traders:

  • Automation: Traders can automate their trading strategies by predefining entry and exit points, allowing them to execute trades even when they are not actively monitoring the market.
  • Precision: Pending orders allow traders to enter trades at specific price levels, reducing the risk of slippage and ensuring more precise trade execution.
  • Risk Management: By setting predefined entry and exit points, traders can implement risk management strategies and control their exposure to market volatility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pending orders are a valuable tool for traders in the forex market, allowing them to enter trades at predetermined price levels in the future. By using pending orders, traders can automate their trading strategies, improve precision in trade execution, and implement effective risk management techniques. Understanding how to use pending orders effectively is essential for success in forex trading and managing risk in the dynamic financial markets.