How a Stop-Limit Order Is Used in Investing

Investors are constantly searching for the best tools and strategies to optimize returns while safeguarding their portfolios. One such tool that has gained prominence in the investor community is the stop-limit order. But what is a stop-limit order and how can investors use it?

At its core, a stop-limit order allows investors to set specific price parameters for buying or selling securities. This tool comprises two critical components:

The stop price, which acts as the activation point, or the trigger. When the market price of the stock reaches or exceeds this level that is predetermined by the investor, the stop-limit order is initiated.

Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Save up to 74%

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

Sign up

Following the activation of the stop price, the limit order dictates the price that the trade will be executed, whether that be buying or selling a stock. The order will only be filled if the market price aligns with or exceeds the limit price. 

How does a stop-limit order work?

Those are certainly a lot of words to digest, so here's an example of how a stop-limit order works.

Consider a scenario where you, as an investor, hold shares in stock XYZ that are currently valued at $100 per share. You have a positive outlook about the stock's upside potential, but knowing how much risk is involved in the market, you would also like to mitigate risk. This is where the stop-limit order comes into play.

Here's how this plays out in our example.

Setting the stop price: As an investor, you establish a stop price of $95. When the share price of XYZ reaches or falls below this level ($95), your stop-limit order becomes active.

Setting the limit price: To ensure that you execute a trade at a favorable level, you define a limit price of $90, which is the minimum price you're willing to sell the shares. This signifies that once your stop price at $95 is triggered, your XYZ shares will only be sold if the market price reaches $90.

Here's are some scenarios on how this could play out:

If the market price of XYZ descends to $95 or below, your stop-limit order becomes active. Your order to sell your shares at $90 is placed in the market.

This strategic approach allows you to avoid selling your shares at a larger potential loss if the stock's price experiences a sudden drop because shares will not be sold unless they are trading at your limit price. Conversely, it also means that you may retain your shares if the market price fails to reach the $90 threshold, which keeps you from prematurely closing your position.

Why investors use stop-limit orders

Now that you have a firm understanding of how a stop-limit order works, let's explore the advantages of incorporating stop-limit orders into your investment strategy:

Risk management: Stop-limit orders are a valuable tool for effective risk management. By establishing a stop price, you create a protective measure against potential losses.

Precision and control: Stop-limit orders enable investors to execute trades with precision. By specifying the exact price at which you want to buy or sell a security, you can ensure that your orders are carried out at favorable terms.

Emotion regulation: Investment decisions can be influenced by emotions, and this can lead to impulsive actions during market fluctuations. Stop-limit orders allow for disciplined investing.

Continuous vigilance: Stop-limit orders operate ceaselessly. Whether you are actively monitoring the market or not, stop-limit orders will trigger when the specified conditions are met.

Customization: Stop-limit orders give investors flexibility to tailor their investing strategies to better align with both long- and short-term goals.

FAQs about stop-limit orders

Can stop-limit orders be used for both buying and selling stocks? Absolutely. Stop-limit orders can be applied to both buying and selling securities, offering versatility for managing investment portfolios.

What are the risks of using stop-limit orders? While stop-limit orders allow for risk management, there is a possibility that they may not be executed if the market price does not reach the specified limit. Balancing the desire for a competitive limit price with the need to protect investments is essential.

Can I use stop-limit orders on all types of securities? Stop-limit orders can be applied to a broad range of securities, including stocks and options. They may be especially advantageous for assets with higher price volatility such as penny stocks. In calmer markets, the stop price may not be triggered, rendering the order inactive.

Can I modify my stop-limit order? Indeed. Investors have the flexibility to modify or cancel their stop-limit orders at any point before execution. It is important to be aware of specific rules and time frames established by brokerage platforms.

How do I know which stop and limit prices to use? Determining suitable stop and limit prices requires careful consideration of market conditions, as well as your own investing goals and risk tolerance. Striking the right balance between safeguarding investments and optimizing the likelihood of order execution is paramount.

Related content

• What Is a Stock Split and Why It Matters to Investors
• The Rule of 72 Is an Easy Way to Assess Your Investments. Are You Using It?
• Great Tools for DIY Stock Investors