Question 1

What is the difference between a market order and a limit order?

Accepted Answer

A market order trades right now at the best price available, so it prioritizes getting filled. A limit order sets the worst price you will accept and only fills at that price or better, so it prioritizes price control over a guaranteed fill.

Question 2

Does a limit order guarantee my trade will happen?

Accepted Answer

No. A limit order only controls price. If the market never reaches your limit, the order rests unfilled until it executes, expires, or you cancel it.

Question 3

Why did my market order fill at a different price than I saw?

Accepted Answer

Prices move between the moment you send an order and the moment it executes, and a large order can walk through several price levels. That gap between the expected price and the real fill is called slippage.