Execution definition

In trading, execution is the completion of a buy or sell order from a trader. It is carried out by a broker.

When you tell your broker to buy or sell a particular asset, they will decide the best way of completing your request as quickly as possible. When the order is finalised and your trade is completed, it has been executed.

Executing different types of orders

Different types of orders will have different parameters for execution. Day orders, for example, will not be carried out if they cannot be executed on the day that they are placed. Good-‘til-cancelled (GTC) orders, on the other hand, can be executed at any point until the trader revokes the order.

There are various ways in which brokers can carry out orders. They can send a request to the floor of an exchange, make the trade with a market maker, or complete the trade digitally. Alternatively, if the broker already has the means to carry out the trade in its own inventory, it can execute the trade that way.

Visit our platform features page

Find out more about how IG executes orders on our platform features page.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - Y

See all glossary trading terms

Help and support

Get answers about your account or our services.

Get answers

Or ask about opening an account on 0800 195 3100 or newaccounts.uk@ig.com.

We're here 24hrs a day from 8am Saturday to 10pm Friday.

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Professional clients can lose more than they deposit. All trading involves risk.

The value of shares, ETFs and ETCs bought through a share dealing account, a stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

CFD, share dealing and stocks and shares ISA accounts provided by IG Markets Ltd, spread betting provided by IG Index Ltd. IG is a trading name of IG Markets Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 04008957) and IG Index Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 01190902). Registered address at Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA. Both IG Markets Ltd (Register number 195355) and IG Index Ltd (Register number 114059) are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The information on this site is not directed at residents of the United States, Belgium or any particular country outside the UK and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Execution definition

Executing different types of orders

Visit our platform features page

Help and support

Markets

IG services

Trading platforms

Learn to trade

Contact us