The Information Content of Special Orders

Abstract

We consider the role of special orders in informed traders’ order submission strategies and their effect on the market price discovery process. Special orders, such as Fill-or-Kill and All-or-Nothing orders, are not entered in the order book; instead, they are executed immediately. This means they do not require costly monitoring and are not visible to other traders. Due to the fact that informed institutional traders, including high-frequency traders, use aggressive special orders, they generate higher price impacts than normal orders, particularly in volatile markets.

Keywords: Fill-and-Kill orders, All-or-Nothing orders, Institutional Investors, Price Impact, High Frequency Trading

JEL Classification: C35, G15, G25, G29