Instant Execution and Market Execution explained

Author: Ivan Egorov

Today, we will talk about Instant and Market Execution, their potential benefits, and hidden pitfalls.

Instant Execution

  • A client places an order and specifies both the volume and price.
  • The order is processed instantly.
  • If the order cannot be executed with the initially requested price (i.e. the price changes during the execution process), the trader receives a re-quote order that they can either accept or decline.

Instant Execution is often complemented by the fixed spread (typically larger than real market spreads). Market Maker brokers commonly use this type of execution because some trading platforms do not support Market Depth. Suppose Market Makers were to choose Market Execution. In that case, it would be difficult to explain to their clients why the price of the executed order is worse than it was when placing the order. It is especially noticeable with large volume orders of 30 lots and above.

The reason for such a mismatch is that the specific bid and ask prices are only represented with the specific volumes on the market. Large volume orders are being filled according to what Market Depth has to offer.

Market Execution

  • A client places an order and only specifies the volume.
  • The bid/ask price of the asset is generated during the execution process.
  • If the price changes during the execution process, the broker does not reject the client’s request but fills the order with the current pricing.
  • The final price is the required volume multiplied by the latest pricing available via Market Depth.

Most Liquidity Providers (LPs) and A-book brokers working via STP/ECN models use Market Execution.

Which model should brokers choose?

There is no single right or wrong answer here, and we always recommend brokers analyse their individual situation when deciding on which execution model to work with. However, there are pros and cons to both.

For example, because many LPs use Market Execution, brokers that work with Instant Execution might have difficulties when placing orders with those LPs. Again, the reason for the potential challenges comes down to the Market Depth. The Liquidity Provider that uses Market Execution cannot guarantee a certain execution price to the broker. The broker that operates with Instant Execution, in turn, is obliged to ensure a certain price to the trader.

One way to avoid this issue is by implementing limited time orders. Effectively, we will be simulating Instant Execution within the Market Execution environment. Limit Order guarantees the execution of a specified volume at the specified price. Therefore, by placing a Limit Order with a short timeout period, we can guarantee execution at the requested price.

However, this does not apply to large volume orders. The reason for that, again, boils down to the Market Depth. There might not be enough volume at the requested price, and the order will not be filled. It will increase the number of re-quotes for brokers’ clients and affect the quality of execution.

What execution methods do you use and why? Please let us know at sales@t4b.com.

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