Why Order Book Microstructure Can Make or Break a Trading Strategy
Most trading system builders focus on price alone, but real execution happens against a layered order book of bids, asks, and resting liquidity. The gap between the best bid and best ask forms the spread, while depth at each price level determines the true cost of filling an order. Market orders guarantee execution but consume liquidity and incur slippage, whereas limit orders offer price control at the risk of never being filled. Large orders can 'walk the book,' pushing fill prices progressively worse and signaling intent to other market participants. Backtesting on closing prices with no slippage model routinely overstates a strategy's edge, making microstructure awareness essential for live profitability.
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