What is Stop Order?

Updated October 18, 2026

A stop order buys above or sells below the current price once price breaks a level.

A buy stop triggers when price rises to your level. A sell stop triggers when it falls.

Traders use them to catch breakouts.

Like market orders, stop orders can slip in fast moves.

Example

EURUSD is at 1.0850. You set a buy stop at 1.0880 to catch a breakout.

Stop order vs stop loss?

A stop order opens a trade. A stop loss closes one.

Can bots use stop orders?

Yes, breakout bots use them a lot.

Rather have AI trade for you?Get the free guide on hands free AI trading accounts. Send me the free guide →

Work out your own number with the quit your job calculator, or take the passive income quiz.