Exploring the Fill-or-Kill Order: A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A fill-or-kill order is a type of trade instruction that must be executed immediately upon reaching the trading floor. If the order cannot be filled in its entirety at that moment, it is completely canceled or "killed." This order type is typically used for large quantities of stock and is designed for traders who require immediate execution. Examples of fill-or-kill orders include both market and limit orders. Such trades are relatively rare, as they demand swift action from the market.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An investor places a fill-or-kill order for 10,000 shares of Company X at a specific price. If the order is not filled immediately upon reaching the market, it is entirely canceled.

Example 2: A trader issues a fill-or-kill order for 5,000 shares of Company Y at market price. If the market cannot accommodate the full order at that moment, the order is killed. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Fill-or-Kill Order An order that must be executed immediately or canceled. Requires complete execution or cancellation.
Good-Til-Canceled Order An order that remains active until filled or explicitly canceled. Can be partially filled and remains open.
Immediate-or-Cancel Order An order that must be filled immediately, but can be partially filled. Allows partial execution, unlike fill-or-kill.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering using a fill-or-kill order, ensure you understand the implications of immediate execution. Review your trading strategy and consult with your broker to confirm that this order type suits your needs. For those who want to manage their trading agreements, US Legal Forms offers templates that can help clarify your rights and responsibilities in trading. If you encounter complex issues, seeking professional legal advice may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Order Type: Fill-or-Kill
  • Execution: Immediate
  • Cancellation: Complete if not filled
  • Typical Use: Large stock quantities

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

If the order is not filled immediately, it is completely canceled.