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Difference between Order Book and Trade Book

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Synopsis:

In this article, we will discuss the meaning and nature of order books and trade books. We will also get into a detailed comparison between the two books. We will further explain why it is important to know their differences.

The order book and trade book are powerful tools for traders. The order book shows all the buying and selling orders placed in the market, while the trade book records the trades executed. An understanding of both allows traders to make better decisions and take lessons from market tendencies. Anyone with an online demat account who is actively trading should have an idea of what these books are about. 

Understanding the Order Book with an example

An order book shows all the open buy and sell orders for a stock at different price levels. Suppose the last trade price of a stock is INR 100; then, the order book will show the bids below INR 100 and the offers above. The demand and supply numbers are estimated using this information by traders, which helps them in stating the probable price movements.

What is an Order Book?

An order book is a continuously updated, digital list of every buy and sell order for an asset -a stock, in this case - that traders have entered into the stock market. It displays the amount of shares being supplied or demanded at different price levels and helps traders understand the concept of market depth and liquidity, and what may happen to prices. Now that we know what is order book, let’s see how it works. 

Additional Read: What is GIFT Nifty?

How the Order Book Works

It includes all buying and selling orders in the market. The order book adopts a price and time priority matching. For instance, if there are two buy orders at the same price, the one placed first will be given priority. When traders analyse the order book, it explains the current mood within the market, and such analysis gives an opportunity to work out demand and supply.

Key Components of the Order Book

1. Buy Orders (Bids): Lists all buy orders in descending order.

2. Sell Orders (Asks): Items listed here are all sell orders, sorted from the lowest price to the highest.

3. Price Levels: Variety of price levels at which buying and selling orders are placed.

4. Order Size: Quantity of shares requested or offered at each price level.

Understanding the Trade Book with an Example

Trade book contains detailed records of executed trades. Suppose a trader buys 100 shares of a stock at INR150; this trade is dutifully noted in a trade book. It reflects the price with which the trade was executed, the volume of the shares traded, and the timing of trade-all that goes to give a complete view of the trade.

What is a Trade Book?

A trade book is a ledger that captures all completed trades in the market. Unlike the order book, reflecting order intentions, the trade book reflects actions executed in the trades. The trade book provides vital information concerning trade volumes, execution prices, and trade times that help traders analyse the activity of a particular market. Now that we know what is trade book, let’s understand how it works.

How the Trade Book Functions

1. Records Executed Trades: Logs all transactions as they occur.

2. Price and Volume Tracker: It provides the exact price and volume at which the trades were executed.

3. Time Stamps: This shows the exact time each trade was executed.

Key Components of the Trade Book

1. Trade Price - Price at which the trade took place.

2. Volume of Trade: The number of shares traded in each transaction.

3. Trade Time: The exact time the trade occurred.

4. Order ID: Unique identifier for each trade.

Additional Read:  What is Trading Account: Definition, Types & Benefits

Key Differences Between Order Book and Trade Book 

Now that we have discussed order book and trade book sufficiently, let’s compare the two books and find out how they differ from each other. 

Order book vs Trade book:

 

Order Book

Trade Book

Purpose

To show a record of the pending buy and sell orders

To show a record of all the completed trades

Content

A list of the orders sorted by size and price

A list of completed trades showing their price, volume, and time

Update

With the placement of a new order, and cancellation of an order, updates are made in real time

Updates are made on completion of a trade

Insights

Market and depth and liquidity

Market activity and transaction history

Usage

Analysing potential market movements

Tracking trading performance and details of trade execution

Importance of knowing the difference

1. Better Market Analysis: The system provides an understanding of the market sentiment via the order book, supplementary to the trade book. 

2. Smart Trading Decisions: Using both books, one can make more tactical entry and exit in the market. 

3. Enhanced Risk Management: Helps traders identify and respond to market changes effectively. 

Conclusion 

The concept of the order book and trade book is imperative to understand in any trade. While the order book presents any trader with the probable movements in the market, the trade book confirms those transactions. Proper use of both could lead to better decisions about trading and a finer analysis of the market.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of an order book in trading?

Answer Field

An order book is a digital ledger that shows all buy and sell orders for a stock, organized by price levels, helping traders gauge market depth.

What is a trade book and how does it differ from an order book?

Answer Field

A trade book records completed transactions, showing executed prices and volumes, while the order book shows all open buy and sell orders.

Why is the order book important for traders?

Answer Field

The order book helps traders analyse market depth, identify demand and supply levels, and make informed trading decisions.

How do you use an order book to make trading decisions?

Answer Field

Traders use the order book to see the number of buy and sell orders at different prices, helping them gauge market sentiment and potential price movements.

Can the information in the order book change rapidly?

Answer Field

Yes, the order book can change quickly as new orders are placed, modified, or canceled, reflecting real-time market conditions.

What information can you find in a trade book?

Answer Field

The trade book shows details of completed trades, including the execution price, volume, and time of each trade.

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