Bracket Order

  • Calender25 Sept 2026
  • user By: BlinkX Research Team
  • FbkFbkTwitterTelegram
  • Bracket Order is an intraday trading strategy combining three orders: buy order,  stop-loss, and target order. Bracket orders can also be used for regular trading. In this blog, we will understand what are bracket orders, the difference between bracket order and cover order, how bracket order works, and a lot more. 

    What is Bracket Order?

    A Bracket Order is an automated trading process and it allows traders to define a buy/sell order, a target order, and a stop-loss order simultaneously. In the bracket order, the trade is performed with primary order, then by the target order and in the last with stop loss order. The outcome of bracket orders majorly depends on the selection of stocks, target levels, and how the trader has selected the stop loss order. 

    How Does Bracket Order Work?

    After understanding the bracket order meaning, let’s now understand how it works: 

    • There are three interconnected orders placed when a trader places a bracket order. The three orders are the initial order, profit target order, and stop loss order. 
    • When the initial order is placed, both the profit target and stop-loss orders are activated. 
    • It happens conversely if the price drops to the stop-loss level, the stop-loss order is triggered, and the position is closed to prevent further losses.
    • If the price of stock or asset reaches the profit target of a trader then the profit target order will be executed automatically. Squaring off the position at the desired profit level. 
    • If the price of the stock moves unfavourably and reaches the stop-loss level, the stop-loss order will execute, automatically squaring off the position at the predefined loss limit. 

    Advantages of a Bracket Order

    Now that you understand what is bracket order and how to use it, let’s take a look at the benefits it offers. The following are the advantages of a bracket order 

    • By using the trailing stop loss, traders can adjust the stop loss level in real-time. This depends on the price movement and direction. 
    • Bracket order offers clarity on when to exit based on the profit and loss. This promotes a structured approach.

    Bracket Orders Vs. Cover Orders

    Following are the differences between bracket order and cover order.

    Aspect

    Bracket Order

    Cover Order 

    FeatureIn a bracket order, there is an initial order, a stop loss order, and a target order. In a cover order, there is an initial order and a target order. 
    Risk ManagementHere the profit and loss ratio is well defined with both stop loss and target. In cover order there is no predefined target, it only focuses on risk control with stop loss. 
    User ControlNo manual tracking is needed once the order is placed. It requires manual tracking to book profits. 
    Squaring off 

    The order will automatically get squared off if both the 

    stop-loss and target orders are unsuccessful. 

    Here the squaring-off depends only on the stop-loss order.



     

    Conclusion
    Bracket Orders help traders manage their trades by combining buy/sell orders, a stop-loss, and a profit target into one. No matter, if it's regular trading or short-term strategies, bracket orders help in both profit-taking and risk-limiting procedures. 

    FAQs on What is Bracket Order

    What are the 4 main types of trading orders?

    ⮟

    Can bracket orders be cancelled?

    ⮟

    What are the disadvantages of a bracket order?

    ⮟

    Is the bracket order only for intraday?

    ⮟

    What is the OCO bracket order?

    ⮟