Slippage changes the final execution price of an order. A better price creates positive slippage, while a less favourable price creates negative slippage. The effect depends on the order direction, size and market movement.
Market orders
A market order requests execution at the best available price rather than guaranteeing the price visible when the button is pressed. If that price changes or is no longer available, execution may occur at another available level.
Stop orders and price gaps
A stop order becomes active when its trigger level is reached. If the market moves through that level without an executable price—for example after a weekend or during sharp news volatility—the resulting order may execute at the next available price.
Bid, Ask and spread
Buy and sell transactions use different sides of the quote. A long position closes using Bid, while a short position closes using Ask. Because MT4 charts commonly display Bid, the visible chart may not show the Ask price that triggered a short-position stop. Wider spreads can make this difference more noticeable.
Review an execution
- Open Account History and locate the trade.
- Record the ticket, symbol, direction, requested level, executed price and platform time.
- Check whether the trade was a buy or sell.
- Review the spread, market session and any price gap at that time.
- Check the MT4 Journal for the recorded instruction.
If the difference remains unclear, request a trade review from RockGlobal Support. Include the account number, ticket, screenshots and Journal entry. Do not send your password. Support can review the recorded quotes and execution information for your account.