RuleactiveUpdated 2026-10-19
Stops are live orders
The stop is a working GTC order at the broker the same session it's decided, and the journal matches it. A stop that only exists in your head isn't a stop.
That stop is a live GTC order the same session, and the journal matches it.
Why
When price hits a mental stop, there's always a reason to wait one more bar. A working order removes the decision from the moment you're least able to make it well. It also protects you when you're away from the screen.
What breaking it looks like
- Stop not live: the journal shows a stop, but no matching order is working.
- Rule not placed: the next written action (a raised stop, a trim) never became an order.
- No stop on purpose: carrying a position with an explicit "no stop" stance.
Times this rule was broken: 0
Logged in each trade's review. Counted, not hidden.
Not broken yet on a reviewed trade.
Related
- Gap risk: when the stop doesn't save youIf a stock opens below your stop, the stop fills at the open, not at your price. Holding overnight always carries this risk, and the record shows it.
- The stop: deciding where you're wrongA stop is the price that proves the trade idea wrong. It's chosen before entry, placed as a live order, and only ever moved in your favor.