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Order Types Intermediate 2 min read

GTC Order

Definition
Good Till Cancelled — remains active until filled or cancelled.

Good Till Cancelled (GTC) is an order type in trading that remains active until it is either filled or manually cancelled by the trader. Unlike day orders, GTC orders do not expire at the end of the trading day. They are commonly used for long-term trading strategies or to take advantage of specific price levels over an extended period.

How It Works

When a trader places a GTC order, it is sent to the exchange or liquidity provider and remains in the order book until it is either executed or cancelled. Here's how it works:

  • Placement: The trader specifies the instrument, quantity, price (for limit orders), and the order type (GTC) in the trading platform.
  • Execution: If the market price reaches the specified level (for limit orders) or the order can be filled at the current market price (for market orders), the GTC order is executed.
  • Cancellation: The trader can manually cancel the GTC order at any time before it is executed. This can be done through the trading platform's order management system.

Why It Matters

GTC orders are crucial for traders who employ various strategies that may require open orders over extended periods. Here's why they matter:

  • Long-term strategies: GTC orders allow traders to set orders for specific price levels that may not be reached within a single trading day. This is particularly useful for range trading, breakout strategies, or long-term positional trading.
  • Risk management: By setting stop-loss and take-profit orders as GTC, traders can manage their risk and lock in profits even when they are not actively monitoring the market.
  • Market liquidity: GTC orders contribute to market liquidity, as they remain in the order book until filled or cancelled. This can help improve the overall trading environment by providing more opportunities for other traders to enter or exit positions.