Thinkorswim Stop Limit Order: A Comprehensive Guide

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Thinkorswim is a powerful trading platform that offers a range of order types, including the stop limit order.

A stop limit order allows you to set a stop price and a limit price, which is useful for limiting potential losses or locking in profits.

To place a stop limit order on thinkorswim, you can use the platform's intuitive interface, which allows you to easily input your stop and limit prices.

By setting a stop price, you can limit your potential losses to a specific amount if the stock price falls below that level.

What Is a Thinkorswim Stop Limit Order?

A Thinkorswim stop limit order is a type of order that gives you precise control over when you want to buy or sell a security.

You set two price points: the stop price and the limit price. The stop price is the price at which you want the trade to be triggered.

The limit price is the price at which you want to buy or sell the security, and it's used to limit the maximum price you'll pay or the minimum price you'll receive for the trade.

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A time frame must be set during which the stop-limit order is considered executable. This is important, as it determines when the order will be triggered.

If the price of the security reaches or falls below the stop price, the trade will be triggered, and the stop-limit order will become a limit order to buy or sell at the limit price or better.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Thinkorswim stop limit orders offer several benefits, including the ability to limit potential losses and lock in profits. This can be particularly useful for traders who are new to the platform.

One of the key benefits is the ability to set a stop price at which the order will be executed, and a limit price at which the order will be filled. This allows traders to balance risk and potential reward.

Limiting potential losses is a major advantage of thinkorswim stop limit orders, as it can help traders avoid significant financial losses. This can be especially important for traders who are still learning the ropes.

Advantages

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The advantages of this topic are numerous. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to access a vast amount of information in a short amount of time.

Having a clear understanding of the subject matter can be incredibly empowering. This can help individuals make more informed decisions and take control of their lives.

The ability to learn at your own pace is a significant advantage. This allows individuals to focus on areas where they need improvement.

Having access to reliable information can be a game-changer. It can help individuals avoid common pitfalls and make better choices.

Being able to learn from the experiences of others can be a valuable asset. This can help individuals avoid mistakes and learn from the successes of others.

The ability to access information on demand can be a huge time-saver. This can help individuals prioritize their tasks and manage their time more effectively.

On a similar theme: Time Stopped Book

Disadvantages

One of the biggest drawbacks of [Topic] is its high upfront cost, which can be a significant barrier to entry for many people.

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This cost can be a major financial burden, and it may take a long time to recoup the investment.

In some cases, [Topic] can also be time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring a significant amount of effort and dedication.

This can be overwhelming for those who are short on time or have other priorities.

Examples and Scenarios

Let's dive into some real-world examples of how thinkorswim stop limit orders can be used in different scenarios.

A stop-limit order can be used to limit losses on a short position. For example, if you're shorting a stock at $50 and you want to cap your losses at 20% to 25%, you can enter a stop-limit order to buy at a price of $60 and a limit price of $62.50.

Here are a few more examples to illustrate how stop limit orders work:

  • A buy stop-limit order can be used to buy a stock once it begins to show upward momentum. For instance, if Apple Inc. (AAPL) is trading at $155, you can set a stop price at $160 and a limit price at $165 to buy the stock.
  • A sell stop-limit order can be used to lock in profits on a long position. For example, if you're holding a long position in a stock at $70, you can set a stop price below the current market price and a limit price at $69 to sell the stock.
  • A stop limit order can be used to limit losses on a short position. For instance, if you're shorting a stock at $50 and you want to cap your losses at 20% to 25%, you can enter a stop-limit order to buy at a price of $60 and a limit price of $62.50.

Here are some common scenarios where stop limit orders can be useful:

Note that the stop price and limit price can vary depending on the specific scenario and the trader's goals.

Technical Details

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A stop-limit order is filled at the market price after the stop price has been hit, regardless of whether the price changes to an unfavorable position.

The stop price is the price at which the stop-limit order becomes executable, and it's a crucial aspect of this trading strategy.

In a stop-limit order, the limit order takes effect after the stop price is triggered, ensuring that the order is not completed unless the price is at or better than the specified limit price.

Stop-limit orders are commonly free to enter into, but it's essential to understand your broker's fee structure before setting orders to avoid unexpected fees.

Key Features

A stop-limit order is a conditional trade that combines the features of a stop loss with those of a limit order to mitigate risk. This allows traders to have precise control over when the order should be filled.

The stop price dictates the price at which the order is triggered, and the limit price dictates the price at which the order is filled. This means that even if the market price changes quickly, the order won't be filled unless it's at or better than the specified limit price.

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Stop-limit orders offer risk management, automation, and flexibility in trading, though they don't protect against price gaps and are slightly more complex to set. This is a small price to pay for the added control and precision they provide.

Here are the key features of stop-limit orders:

  • Stop price triggers the order
  • Limit price dictates the price at which the order is filled
  • Guaranteed execution is not guaranteed
  • Risk management, automation, and flexibility are provided
  • Price gaps are not protected against

Traders often use stop-limit orders to lock in profits or limit downside losses. By combining the features of a stop order and a limit order, investors have much greater precision in executing the trade.

How Long Do They Last?

Stop-limit orders can be set as either day orders, which expire at the end of the current market session.

Day orders are a good option if you're only interested in executing the trade on the same day.

GTC orders, on the other hand, carry over to future trading sessions.

The time period for GTC orders varies across different trading platforms and brokerages.

You should check the specifics of your brokerage to know how long your GTC order will be valid.

Loss Function Purpose

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The loss function purpose is to protect your brokerage account by drawing a line in the sand at how much you're willing to lose. This is essential for new traders to map out their risk-to-reward ratio.

All new traders should consider what they're risking versus how much they can make. If your risk is more than your reward, that's a trade you shouldn't be taking.

Setting a stop loss is crucial to protecting your account, and it's essential to remember that stop limit orders can have market makers trigger the stop loss. This can cause your trade to stop and then rip.

A good risk-to-reward ratio is one where you're willing to risk 10 cents to make 20 cents. This way, you can place stop-limit orders with those two price points.

Getting a bad entry on a pattern or candle can actually protect you, as it can help you avoid bigger losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a stop and a stop limit?

A stop order prioritizes exiting a trade, while a stop-limit order prioritizes a specific price, but may not execute the trade. The key difference lies in their focus: exit vs. price.

How does stop limit work on TD Ameritrade?

A stop limit order on TD Ameritrade triggers a limit order at your specified price after a traditional stop order is triggered, but execution isn't guaranteed. This order type combines the benefits of a stop order with the control of a limit order, but also carries some risk.

Sheldon Kuphal

Writer

Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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