Forex glossary

Immediate or Cancel Order (IOC) in Forex

A clear definition of Immediate or Cancel Order (IOC), with practical context for reading markets and making better trading decisions.

Level 2 · From Prices to PracticeOrders & execution

Definition

An Immediate or Cancel (IOC) order attempts to execute as much of the requested quantity as possible immediately, then cancels any unfilled remainder. Unlike a Fill or Kill order, an IOC can accept a partial fill.

How It Works

Orders are instructions, and their exact behavior depends on the conditions attached to them: price, quantity, timing, and what should happen if execution is only partly available. Before confirming an order, read the order type and validity fields rather than assuming every instruction behaves like a market order.

Why It Matters

This matters because two orders aimed at the same market can produce very different outcomes. Level 2 treats order mechanics as a safety skill: configure the instruction you actually intend, then review it before submission.

Key Takeaway

An Immediate or Cancel (IOC) order attempts to execute as much of the requested quantity as possible immediately, then cancels any unfilled remainder.

Practical forex example

A trader sends an IOC order for 10,000 units. If 7,000 units are available immediately, those 7,000 can fill and the remaining 3,000 are cancelled.

Why Immediate or Cancel Order (IOC) matters

Understanding Immediate or Cancel Order (IOC) helps traders interpret market information, plan decisions, and manage risk with more context.

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