What are GTT Orders?

A GTT (Good-Till-Triggered) order lets you set your trade once and forget about it — the system automatically executes it when your target price is reached. It’s a smart way to trade strategically without constantly tracking the market.

In this blog, we’ll cover what a GTT order means, how it works, how to place one, and why it’s a useful tool for traders and long-term investors alike.

What is GTT (Good-Till-Triggered) in the Share Market?

A GTT order lets you define a trigger price and a limit price. Once the stock hits the trigger price, your order is auto placed on the exchange at the limit price you’ve set.

The term “Good-Till-Triggered” means that the order stays valid until the trigger condition is met or until it’s manually cancelled or expires (depending on your broker’s policy).

How Does a GTT Order Work in Trading?

A GTT (Good Till Triggered) order lets traders automate their buy or sell decisions by setting a specific price condition. Here’s how it works:

1. Set a Trigger Price: You decide the price level at which you want the order to be activated.
2. Define a Limit Price: This is the maximum (for buy orders) or minimum (for sell orders) price you’re willing to trade at.
3. Submit the GTT Order: The order remains inactive until the market price touches your trigger price.
4. Activation: When the trigger is hit, your order automatically converts into a limit order and is sent to the exchange.
5. Execution: The order executes at the limit price (or better) if there’s sufficient market liquidity.

Example of a GTT Order in Action

Let’s say you want to buy Infosys shares currently trading at ₹1,600, but only if the price dips to ₹1,550.

• You set a GTT Buy Order with:
  • Trigger Price: ₹1,550
  • Limit Price: ₹1,550

If Infosys hits ₹1,550 anytime in the future, your order gets activated and placed at ₹1,550. If the price continues to fall, it executes; if not, the order stays pending until expiry or cancellation.

Differences Between GTT Orders and Regular Market Orders

Here’s how GTT orders differ from other regular market orders:

Feature	GTT Order	Regular Market Order
Execution Timing	Executes only when the trigger price is reached.	Executes instantly at the existing market price.
Validity	Remains active until triggered or cancelled.	Expires the same day.
Market Monitoring	No need for constant tracking.	Requires manual entry and timing.
Use Case	Best for long-term or planned trades.	Best for immediate execution.

Advantages of Using GTT Orders

GTT orders are best for traders and investors who prefer a strategic, hands-off approach. They simplify trade management and help plan entries and exits with discipline. Some pros of GTT orders are:

• Ideal for investors who want to purchase or sell stocks at pre-decided levels without daily tracking.
• Helps capture opportunities during market dips or rallies automatically.
• Lets traders define exact buy or sell points in advance.
• Lowers emotional decision-making and promotes a disciplined approach.
• Can be modified or cancelled anytime before activation.
• Works for both short-term trades and long-term investment strategies.
• Keep your strategy active even when you’re away from the screen.

How to Place a GTT Order in the Share Market?

Placing a GTT order is a simple way to automate your trades without constantly watching the market. Here are the steps to place a GTT order so that they execute automatically once the trigger price is reached

1. Log in to your trading platform or broker’s app.
2. Select the stock you want to trade.
3. Choose Buy GTT or Sell GTT, depending on your trade direction.
4. Enter the trigger price—the price that will activate your order.
5. Set the limit price: the maximum (for buy) or minimum (for sell) price you’re willing to trade at.
6. Confirm and submit your order. Once set, the order will remain active until triggered or manually cancelled.

Key Considerations Before Placing a GTT Order:

• Ensure your trigger price is realistic and based on technical or fundamental analysis.
• Check the validity period—most brokers keep GTT orders active for up to one year.
• Keep enough funds or holdings in your account to avoid rejection when the trigger activates.
• Review and update GTT orders if market conditions change significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with GTT Orders

GTT orders simplify trading, but they can also lead to missed opportunities if not used carefully. Some common errors that you should avoid are:

• Setting Unrealistic Trigger Prices: Placing the trigger too far from the current price reduces the chance of execution. Base your trigger on support, resistance, or fair value analysis.
• Ignoring Fund or Stock Availability: If you don’t have enough funds (for buy orders) or holdings (for sell orders), the GTT will fail when triggered.
• Not Monitoring Trigger Validity: GTT orders aren’t permanent; they expire after a fixed period or when corporate actions (such as splits or dividends) occur.
• Confusing Trigger Price with Execution Price: The trigger price only activates the order—the actual trade happens at your limit price or better, depending on market conditions.
• Failing to Adjust for Market Changes: Market sentiment and prices evolve. Regularly review your GTT orders to ensure they still align with your trading strategy.

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FAQs

What is a GTT order in the share market?

A GTT order allows traders to set preset buy or sell conditions for a stock that remain active until triggered. It’s a convenient way to automate trades without constantly tracking market movements.

How do you place a GTT order?

Placing a GTT order is simple and can be done through your trading platform or broker app.

1. Select the stock you want to trade.
2. Choose Buy GTT or Sell GTT.
3. Enter your trigger price—the price at which the order activates—and limit price—the price you’re willing to buy or sell at.
4. Confirm and place the order.

What is the full form of GTT in trading?

The GTT full form in the share market is Good Till Triggered. It means the order stays valid until the price condition you’ve set is met or until you cancel it manually.

What are the benefits of using GTT orders for trading?

Some benefits of using GTT orders for trading are:

• Automation: Trades execute automatically when prices hit your trigger level.
• Convenience: No need to monitor the market continuously.
• Discipline: Helps maintain planned entry and exit levels without emotional decision-making.
• Long Validity: The order remains active for months (depending on the broker), unlike regular day orders that expire daily.

How does GTT differ from regular market orders?

A GTT order stays active until your set trigger price is reached, automatically placing the trade when conditions are met. In contrast, a regular market order executes instantly at the current market price and expires the same day. GTT orders offer flexibility and automation while market orders provide immediate execution.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered as financial or investment advice. Investing in stocks involves risk, and it is important to conduct your research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any financial losses or gains that may result from the use of this information.