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OTO Order: Definition

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Simple Definition

One-Triggers-Other — a rule where one order, when it fills, automatically submits a follow-up order. Often used as the entry-side wiring inside a bracket (the entry triggers the exits).

Why It Matters

OTO is what lets a bracket order ship the two exit orders as 'sleeping' — they don't go live until the entry fills, so you don't have orders out in the market protecting a position you don't yet own. Some brokers call a full bracket order 'OTOCO' (One-Triggers-OCO), meaning: the entry triggers, and what it triggers is an OCO pair of exits.

Key Points

  • One order fills, a follow-up order automatically activates
  • Inside a bracket: the entry fills, the two exits go live
  • OTOCO = OTO + OCO (entry triggers an OCO pair of exits)
  • Naming varies by broker (bracket / OTO / OTOCO)

Learn More

Foundation Lesson

Bracket Orders & OCO

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Related Terms

Common Questions

One-Triggers-Other — a rule where one order, when it fills, automatically submits a follow-up order. Often used as the entry-side wiring inside a bracket (the entry triggers the exits). OTO is what lets a bracket order ship the two exit orders as 'sleeping' — they don't go live until the entry fills, so you don't have orders out in the market protecting a position you don't yet own. Some brokers call a full bracket order 'OTOCO' (One-Triggers-OCO), meaning: the entry triggers, and what it triggers is an OCO pair of exits.

OTO is what lets a bracket order ship the two exit orders as 'sleeping' — they don't go live until the entry fills, so you don't have orders out in the market protecting a position you don't yet own. Some brokers call a full bracket order 'OTOCO' (One-Triggers-OCO), meaning: the entry triggers, and what it triggers is an OCO pair of exits.

One order fills, a follow-up order automatically activates

Inside a bracket: the entry fills, the two exits go live

OTOCO = OTO + OCO (entry triggers an OCO pair of exits)