Sweep Orders
Sweep orders are a clear signal of urgency and momentum in the market. Using advanced routing systems, these trades are broken into smaller chunks and executed across multiple exchanges simultaneously. This approach is often employed by institutional investors or "smart money" to avoid attracting attention while quickly entering a position. The presence of a sweep order typically indicates that the trader believes the underlying stock's price could move significantly in the near future, prompting the need for rapid execution.
Cross Orders
Cross orders occur when a buyer and seller agree on a trade within the same brokerage or system, without routing the order to the broader market. These orders are often pre-arranged and are executed at an agreed price. Cross orders can signal institutional trading activity and are usually less visible, making them an essential indicator for traders monitoring unusual flow.
Floor Orders
Floor orders are trades placed through traditional exchange trading floors rather than electronic systems. These orders may involve larger blocks of shares or contracts and are often handled by brokers. Floor orders can provide valuable insights into significant institutional activity, particularly when they involve options or large-volume trades.
By tracking sweep, cross, and floor orders on UnusualFlow.com, traders can gain a deeper understanding of market sentiment and identify potential opportunities driven by institutional or large-scale activity.