A market order is an instruction to a broker or broker-dealer to buy or sell a security immediately on the open market. When you place a market order, your purchase or sale will take place at the best current price available. It is the quickest and most efficient means of executing a trade and is commonly used when attempting to purchase or sell large-cap stocks, futures, or exchange-traded funds.

Unlike a limit order, which allows an investor to decide the specific price at which a buy or sell order should be executed, the market order is executed at the current market price. The pros of a market order are that it is a fast and efficient way to buy or sell securities with minimal delay in execution. The primary con of a market order is that it does not guarantee the investor will receive the desired price. Because market conditions are constantly changing, it is possible for the investor to end up paying more than the current market price or receive less than the current market price.

Market orders are often used by investors who are in a rush to enter or exit a position. Often seen by traders as a favorable option for large orders, it can also be used for smaller orders as the price is guaranteed (although the execution may not be). Also, a market order ensures that the order is fulfilled without fail.

The preference for a market order or a limit order should be decided based on the security and time frame in which one is trading. If the investor is buying or selling a thinly traded or highly volatile asset, a limit order may be preferable, as the investor has more control over the exact price at which the order is executed. Moreover, for traders who are looking to get into or out of a position quickly, a market order may be the more attractive option.

In conclusion, the decision of whether to use a market order or a limit order depends on a number of factors, from the type of asset being bought or sold to the investor’s time frame. While a limit order may be the better choice in some cases, a market order is typically the easiest and most efficient route to take in the stock markets.