Understanding GTT Orders (Good Till Triggered)

A GTT (Good Till Triggered) order lets you set a price condition that stays active for a long period — often up to a year — and fires an order only when the stock hits your trigger price. It’s useful when you can’t watch the market all day.

How it differs from a normal order

A regular limit order typically expires at the end of the day if unfilled. A GTT sits dormant until your trigger is hit (or it expires after the long validity), then places the actual order. So you “set and forget” a buy or sell level.

Common uses

• Buy on a dip — set a GTT to buy if the price falls to a level you like.
• Book profit — set a GTT sell at your target price.
• Protect with a stop — set a GTT at a stop-loss level to exit if the stock drops.
• OCO-style — some platforms offer a two-leg GTT (similar to an OCO order) with both a target and a stop; whichever triggers first cancels the other.

Things to keep in mind

• A GTT only places the order when triggered — execution still depends on market conditions and available price, so it’s not guaranteed to fill at the exact level (gaps can skip it).
• Review your GTTs periodically; a stale trigger set months ago may no longer fit.

GTTs bring discipline and convenience to entries and exits. Education only, not a recommendation.