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Day Order vs. Good-Til-Canceled (GTC)

These settings determine how long your order remains active.

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Written by Nathaniel O'Dell

Day Order

  • Expires at the end of the current trading day

  • If not filled, it automatically cancels

Best for:

  • Short-term trades

  • Intraday strategies

Good-Til-Canceled (GTC)

  • Remains active until filled or manually canceled

  • May remain open for weeks (subject to platform limits)

Best for:

  • Longer-term price targets

  • Strategic entry/exit planning

Even GTC orders may automatically expire after a set period depending on brokerage policies.

Choosing the Right Order Type

  • Want immediate execution? → Market order

  • Want price control? → Limit order

  • Want downside protection? → Stop order

  • Want protection with price control? → Stop-limit

  • Want order to expire today? → Day order

  • Want order to stay active? → GTC

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