Buy at ASK vs ASK+0.05

[johno53 2]

Hi, all.

In a fast-moving market is it better to buy at ASK or, say, ASK+0.05 to be more sure of getting the order filled (market orders). Similarly for selling: is it better to sell at BID or BID-0.05. Or does this not really matter?

Thank you.

[Bailey Nevener 83]

Good morning John,

It depends on your stop distance, liquidity, and share size.

If your stop distance is very close, like 10 cents or less, then getting filled on the ask + 5 cents with any slippage is much more dangerous risk management wise.

However, if your share size is low you won’t notice (1k or less is a pretty low amount) because you will get filled more than likely immediately on the best ask.  (Meaning you won’t experience the other 4 cents of slippage)

If the stocks liquidity is poor your next step will be to pay attention to your stop distance.  If your stop distance is very close, the spread is wide, and you get filled +.05 cents, you may be assuming significantly more risk than you wanted to.

I would recommend getting Kyles hot keys configured on your platform if they aren’t already to save you some heartache with this particular trading dynamic.

Once you start to increase share size, depending on your strategy’s average stop distance in any give trade, it may become a problem. 

Assuming I would like to go long I currently do this with no issues (1k share size or less)

1. Buy ask +.05

2a. Sell ask (If it goes up for a profit)

2b. Sell bid -.05 (for a loss)

Edited April 19, 2021 by Bailey Nevener

[johno53 2]

Thank you, Bailey. That was very helpful. A follow-up question: in general, is the purpose of having 'ASK+0.05' as opposed to just going with ASK to make it more certain that the order will be filled because it allows the broker if necessary to fill at ASK, ASK+1c, ASK+2c etc if the price has risen since I hit the hokey? But if the price has risen to ASK+6c, it won't be filled?

As you can tell, I'm a confused newbie and really appreciate the help.

J.

Edited April 20, 2021 by johno53
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