Understanding Latency in Trading: Its Impact on Trades

What does latency mean in trading?

In trading, latency refers to the time delay between when an order is placed by a trader and when it is received and executed at the exchange. Even a slight delay can cause the order to be filled at a different price than expected, particularly in fast-moving markets.

Why latency matters

Latency is a critical factor for active traders, especially during times of high market volatility. High latency can lead to:

  • Slippage (difference between expected and executed price)
  • Missed opportunities
  • Unintended trade execution at less favorable prices

Key causes of latency:

  • Network speed or internet connection
  • Order routing delays
  • Broker server load
  • Exchange response times
  • Device or software performance

Example – Impact of latency

Imagine Mr. A wants to buy 100 shares of ABC Ltd. at ₹100:

  • He places a market order at exactly 10:00:00 AM.
  • Due to latency, the order reaches the exchange at 10:00:02 AM.
  • In those 2 seconds, the price rises to ₹100.05.

Result: Mr. A ends up paying ₹5 more than he expected due to the latency-induced delay.

What If...

ScenarioExplanation
I place a market order during volatilityLatency may cause you to get filled at a price higher/lower than what you saw.
My internet or device is slowThis can increase latency and affect order execution quality.
I want better price controlUse limit orders instead of market orders to avoid slippage from latency.
To reduce latency, ensure a stable internet connection, use updated trading software, and consider placing limit orders when precision matters.

Last updated: 28 Jun 2025

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