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Market order

In one line: Buy or sell right now at the best available price.

A market order is the 'just get me in' button. Speed is guaranteed, price is not.

The SECThe US stock market regulator. explains that market orders are generally filled at or near the current bid (to sell) or ask (to buy). But in fast markets the price you get can differ from the last quote. That difference is Slippage.

Related

Sources & studies

  1. Investor.gov (SEC): Market order
  2. Investor.gov (SEC): Types of orders

Order typesLimit orderSlippage

Last checked: 2026-11-04 · Educational, not financial advice.

Education only, not financial advice. No signals. Backtests are hypothetical: real trading can be worse. Past results don't predict future results.