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Hidden Orders

Investors wishing to hide large-size orders can do use by applying the "Hidden" attribute to a large volume order to completely hide the submitted quantity from the market. The Hidden order type is a simple solution to maintaining anonymity in the market when trying to buy or sell large amounts of stocks, options, bonds, warrants, futures or futures options. The Hidden order type is simple to add to the main trading window within TWS and requires a simple check-mark in the box in order to activate. Display the Hidden field from the Layout Manager, and check the Hidden attribute in the order line. Your order is submitted but evidence of the order is hidden from the market.

Notes:

The Reference Table to the upper right provides a general summary of the order type characteristics. The checked features are applicable in some combination, but do not necessarily work in conjunction with all other checked features. For example, if Options and Stocks, US and Non-US, and Smart and Directed are all checked, it does not follow that all US and Non-US Smart and direct-routed stocks support the order type. It may be the case that only Smart-routed US Stocks, direct-routed Non-US stocks and Smart-routed US Options are supported.


Products Availability Routing TWS
Bonds US Products Smart Attribute
Futures Non-US Products Directed Order Type
FOPs Lite Time in Force
Options
Stocks
Warrants
View Supported Exchanges|Open Users' Guide

Hidden Orders Short Video


For more short videos, see our Traders' Academy Courses.


Example


Hidden Orders example

You want to buy 5000 shares of XYZ but don't want your order to affect or be seen by other traders in the market. Display the Hidden field from the Layout Manager, and check the Hidden attribute in the order line. Your order is submitted but evidence of the order is hidden from the market.

Note:

IB may simulate hidden orders on exchanges. See details on hidden order handling using simulated orders.