Traders can place various types of buy or sell orders. Some orders guarantee immediate execution, while others may state a price threshold or other conditions that trigger execution. Orders are typically valid for the same trading day unless specified otherwise.

A market order guarantees immediate execution of the order upon arrival to the trading venue, at the price that prevails at that moment. In contrast, a limit order only executes if the market price is higher (lower) than the limit for a sell (buy) limit order. A stop order, in turn, only becomes active when the market price rises above (falls below) a specified price for a buy (sell) stop order. A buy stop order can be used to limit losses of short sales. Stop orders may also have limits.

Numerous other conditions can be attached to orders—all or none orders prevent partial execution and are only filled if a specified number of shares is available, and can be valid for the day or longer. They require special handling and are not visible to market participants. Fill or kill orders also prevent partial execution but cancel if not executed immediately. Immediate or cancel orders immediately buy or sell the number of shares that are available and cancel the remainder. Not-held orders allow the broker to decide on the time and price of execution. Finally, the market on open/close orders executes on or near the opening or closing of the market. Partial executions are allowed.