The most important financial terms - with simple and concise explanations.
A securities order can be placed with or without a limit. If you buy without a limit (i.e. by market order), you pay the price that is currently demanded by the market. By contrast, when you submit a limit buy order, you specify to buy a security only up to a certain price. Limit orders can also be placed for sales if you want to achieve a minimum price for your investment.