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What is a limit order in crypto, and how does it work?

By October 18, 2022May 11th, 20233 minute read

The world of finance is changing by leaps and bounds. The introduction of newer asset classes, such as crypto, is altering how we trade and invest, in addition to the classic investment instruments. Since crypto is still in a nascent stage, the market’s inherent volatility necessitates close monitoring by traders in order to capitalize on price swings. 

Utilizing limit orders in crypto helps one to have more control over trading activities. In order to play our cards correctly when trading, we should understand the different types of orders available. But first, let’s talk about limit orders.

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What is a Limit Order?

Using a limit order, traders can specify a maximum price at which they would want to buy or sell a coin. The limit order method works using the following if-else algorithm:

  •  If the market price of your investment in a crypto coin or other digital asset reaches the limit price, your order is carried out; 
  • If not, the order is canceled. 

The key benefit of using limit orders is that both buyers and sellers can select the desired price. When their preferred crypto reaches the target price, they can then make a trade even if they are unable to continuously monitor the market, staying one step ahead of other traders. Consequently, a limit order enables one to purchase or sell crypto at a specific or higher price. 

Traders use limit order in various situations. Some of them are:

  • The coin is a low-volume coin and isn’t frequently traded on the market. 
  • The trader is concerned that the price of a crypto coin is fluctuating a lot.
  • The trader doesn’t indulge in intra-day trading, hence, doesn’t have the time to keep a watch on the market. 
  • Some investors only employ limit orders when they think that the price of an asset will rise to the desired level.
  • The trader is trading a huge volume of coins at once. 

Drawbacks of Limit order

Limit order makes it convenient for traders to invest in crypto, but they have a few setbacks too. Here are some disadvantages of using Limit orders:

  • The order will not be filled if a willing buyer or seller does not meet the limit price within the allotted time frame. 
  • Additionally, time is crucial when placing limit orders. Each order placed in an exchange’s order book has a time stamp. In case of the same price, the order placed first takes precedence over the orders accepted later. 

How does it work?

There are two limit order types: sell limit orders and buy limit orders.

  • Sell Limit Order: When a trader places a sell limit order, they specify the lowest price they want the crypto coin to reach. The order will be activated only when the crypto price is equal to or more than the minimum price.
  • Buy Limit Order: Here, a trader establishes a limit they are willing to meet to purchase a stock. The order will be carried out only when the price of the crypto is lower than the predetermined price.

Investors should also consider the order’s expiration date while placing a limit order. Suppose a trader doesn’t have the time to keep a close eye on the market. In that case, they can find themselves buying or selling at a less acceptable price since a poor evaluation of market price movement will ultimately force the investor to underestimate the limit order. In order to stay updated with the constantly shifting market conditions, traders and investors should periodically examine their open limit orders.

Conclusion

Limit orders are a great trading instrument when a trader wants to purchase or sell a coin at a higher price. An investor can use it to maximize unrealized gains or reduce loss risk. It is a great option for investors who are patient and are looking to HODL. However, limit order doesn’t come without risk. You might lose out on a profitable opportunity if an order is not filled. Hence, traders should be aware of the pros and cons of all kinds of orders and strategize their moves carefully. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Safest Cryptocurrency To Invest In?

Bitcoin has had the highest market capitalization, has been around the longest, has the most experienced development team, and has enormous network impact and brand recognition. As a result, while trading cryptocurrencies, the rate of return on Bitcoin is commonly used as a benchmark. However, the risks associated with cryptocurrencies remain, and the safest cryptocurrency for you depends on your analysis.

Are Cryptocurrencies Legal In India?

In India, cryptocurrency is legal, and anyone can buy, sell, and trade it. Because India lacks a regulatory system to regulate its operations, it is presently uncontrolled. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, companies must now document their crypto trading/investments inside the financial year.

What Is Cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital currency secured by encryption, due to which chances of activities such as counterfeiting and double-spending taking place get close to impossible. Cryptocurrencies get created on blockchain technology ( a distributed ledger enforced by a distributed network of computers). Cryptocurrencies are unique in that they do not get issued by any central authority. The term "cryptocurrency" comes from the encryption techniques used to keep digital currencies and the network safe.

Which Cryptocurrency Is Best To Invest In 2021?

Many altcoins are flourishing to invest in. Some cryptocurrencies with great potential are Ether, Ripple, Tron, and more. Investors are trying to diversify their portfolios and are flocking to the leading cryptocurrencies. Many growing businesses are already accepting cryptocurrency as acceptable payment methods.

What Are The Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In?

The best cryptocurrencies to invest in would be the ones you study and analyze in detail. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins such as Tron, Ripple, Litecoin, etc.

Is Pi Cryptocurrency Safe?

Pi Network captured the crypto community’s interest even before it officially debuted. Its innovative mobile mining approach and user-friendly design simplify crypto adoption for a broader audience. Some users see this as a chance to get engaged in the crypto from the beginning and profit in the future, similar to how early Bitcoin adopters made huge profits by mining and keeping the coin. Other users have compared Pi to a worthless multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme.

Is Cryptocurrency Banned In India?

No, cryptocurrency is not banned in India. India has seen its ups and downs in the crypto sector concerning its legal status. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular in April 2018 advising all organizations under its jurisdiction not to trade in virtual currencies or provide services to assist anyone in dealing with or settling them. A government committee proposed outlawing all private cryptocurrencies in mid-2019, with up to ten years in prison and severe penalties for anyone dealing in digital currency. The Supreme Court overruled the RBI's circular in March 2020, allowing banks to undertake cryptocurrency transactions from dealers and exchanges.

How Safe Are Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies can be safe, but your crypto wallets can be hacked if proper security steps are not performed. There are also dangers and uncertainties associated with investments, and we cannot declare any virtual currency investment risk-free. Buying and selling cryptocurrencies does not have to be dangerous if the trader is well-versed in the market and treats his coins with care.

Who Invented Cryptocurrency?

Satoshi Nakamoto invented cryptocurrencies and the technology that makes them function in 2009. The presumed pseudonymous individual or persons who invented Bitcoin used this identity. In addition, Nakamoto created the first blockchain database. Even though many people have claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the person's identity remains unknown.

How To Invest In Cryptocurrency Stocks?

Cryptocurrency can be purchased in two ways: through mining or exchanges. The process of confirming and adding transactions to the blockchain public ledger is known as cryptocurrency mining. Cryptocurrency exchanges are another option. Exchanges make money by charging transaction fees, but there are alternative platforms where you may communicate directly with other cryptocurrency traders.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
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