Platform
Understand the mechanics behind every order.
A platform is only as useful as your understanding of it. This overview explains the essentials: orders, execution, margin and cost.
Market and limit orders
A market order prioritises execution; a limit order prioritises price. Understanding the trade-off is fundamental.
Spread and commission
Cost appears as the spread, a commission, or both. Calculate the total cost before judging a strategy.
Leverage and margin
Margin is the capital required to hold exposure. Leverage magnifies both profit and loss.
Stop and take-profit orders
Automated exits help define risk, but gaps and slippage can execute beyond the chosen level.
Sessions and liquidity
Spreads and depth change across sessions and around scheduled events.
Execution quality
Slippage, requotes and latency all affect the price you actually receive.
A practical checklist
Before you place an order.
A short checklist reduces avoidable mistakes. It does not remove risk.
Learn the foundations- What is the total cost of the trade, including spread and commission?
- Where is the invalidation point, and what loss does that imply at this size?
- Is a scheduled event close enough to create gap or slippage risk?
- How liquid is the instrument at the time you intend to trade?
- Have you recorded the reason for the trade before entering?
Continue
Learn the platform by understanding the process.
The education hub covers order mechanics, risk and market structure in more depth.