GTT (Good Till Triggered) is an order type that remains active until your specified trigger price is reached or the order expires (typically one year). Unlike regular orders that expire at end of day, GTT orders persist across trading sessions, making them ideal for swing traders and investors who don’t want to manually place orders daily. GTT is particularly popular on Indian brokers like Zerodha.
- Stays active for up to one year (vs. regular orders expire same day)
- Triggers when price reaches your specified level
- Perfect for long-term stop losses and swing trade entries
How GTT Orders Work
GTT orders combine a trigger condition with an order:
GTT Order Structure:
1. Trigger Price: Level that activates the order
2. Order Type: Limit order that executes when triggered
3. Validity: Remains active for up to 1 year
Example:
- Own stock at ₹500
- Set GTT: Trigger ₹480, sell limit ₹475
- Order sits dormant for weeks/months
- Day stock hits ₹480 → GTT triggers
- Sell limit at ₹475 becomes active
- Stock sells at ₹475 or better
Quick Reference: GTT Types
| GTT Type | Triggers | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One trigger → One order | Stop loss or target |
| OCO | Two triggers → Two orders (one cancels other) | Stop loss + target combined |
Example: GTT for Swing Trading
Position: Buy HDFC Bank at ₹1,700 for swing trade
GTT Setup:
- Stop Loss GTT: Trigger ₹1,600, sell limit ₹1,595
- Target GTT: Trigger ₹1,850, sell limit ₹1,845
Over Next 3 Weeks:
- Week 1: Stock at ₹1,720 → GTTs dormant
- Week 2: Stock at ₹1,750 → GTTs dormant
- Week 3: Stock hits ₹1,850 → Target GTT triggers
- Order sells at ₹1,845
- Stop loss GTT cancels (if OCO type)
Result: No daily monitoring needed. Exits handled automatically over weeks.
GTT orders stay active for up to one year, triggering when price reaches your level. Use them for long-term stop losses and swing trade targets. They’re ideal for traders who can’t monitor markets daily.
GTT vs. Regular Orders
| Aspect | Regular Order | GTT Order |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Same day (or AMO next day) | Up to 1 year |
| Monitoring | Daily replacement needed | Set and forget |
| Best For | Day trading | Swing/position trading |
| Trigger | Immediate if price met | Waits indefinitely |
Using GTT for Different Strategies
Swing Trade Stop Loss
- Enter position
- Set GTT stop loss below entry
- Don’t worry about daily order placement
- Protection active for entire holding period
Buying on Dips
- Stock at ₹500, you want to buy at ₹450
- Set GTT: Trigger ₹450, buy limit ₹450
- Order waits for weeks/months
- When dip happens, you’re automatically in
Long-Term Investment Protection
- Hold stock for months/years
- Set GTT stop at key support level
- Protects against sudden crashes
- Renew before expiry if needed
GTT Limitations
- Intraday Not Supported – GTT is for delivery trades, not intraday
- Maximum Duration – Typically 1 year, then must be renewed
- No Trailing – Can’t automatically adjust with price
- Stock Availability – Not all stocks may be GTT-eligible
- Exchange Restrictions – Some exchanges have GTT limitations
Tips for GTT Orders
Review Periodically
GTT orders persist for months. Review them monthly to ensure they still make sense.
Account for Corporate Actions
Splits, bonuses, and dividends can affect your trigger levels. Adjust GTTs accordingly.
Use for Key Levels
GTT is perfect for technical levels you’ve identified in advance—support, resistance, breakout points.
Don’t Forget About Them
Set calendar reminders to review or renew GTTs before expiry.
Common Mistakes
-
Stale GTTs – Orders from months ago that no longer fit your strategy.
-
Wrong trigger direction – Buying above market requires buy trigger; selling below requires sell trigger.
-
Ignoring expiry – GTTs expire after 1 year. Renew if position is still open.
-
Not checking execution – After trigger, verify the order actually filled.
How JournalPlus Tracks GTT Orders
JournalPlus logs your GTT orders alongside regular trades, tracking which triggered, at what prices, and over what timeframes—giving you visibility into your longer-term order management.
