Futures trading offers a wide array of order types designed to help traders execute their strategies with precision and efficiency. Among these, FOK (Fill or Kill) and FAK (Fill and Kill) orders stand out for their unique execution logic, especially in fast-moving or low-liquidity markets. These order types empower traders to manage execution speed, minimize risk, and optimize trade outcomes. In this guide, we’ll break down what FOK and FAK orders are, how they differ, where they’re accepted, and how you can use them effectively in real-world trading scenarios.
What Is a FOK Order? (Fill or Kill)
A FOK (Fill or Kill) order demands immediate and complete execution. When you place a FOK order, the system attempts to fill the entire quantity of your trade at the specified price—right away. If the market cannot match the full volume instantly, the entire order is canceled. No partial fills are allowed.
Key Features of FOK Orders
- Immediate Execution: The order must be executed the moment it hits the market.
- All-or-Nothing Rule: Either the whole order is filled, or it’s rejected entirely.
- Precision Control: Ideal for traders who need certainty in trade size and timing.
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This type of order is particularly useful when entering or exiting large positions without distorting the market. For example, institutional traders often use FOK orders to avoid slippage and unintended exposure from partial executions.
What Is a FAK Order? (Fill and Kill)
Unlike FOK, a FAK (Fill and Kill) order allows for partial execution. When placed, the system immediately fills as much of the order as possible at the limit price. Any portion that cannot be matched is canceled—no waiting, no lingering on the books.
Key Features of FAK Orders
- Partial Fill Allowed: You can get part of your order executed if full liquidity isn’t available.
- No Delayed Execution: Unfilled portions are canceled immediately—not held or resubmitted.
- Flexibility in Low-Liquidity Markets: Offers a balance between speed and practicality.
For active day traders or those dealing in less liquid contracts, FAK orders provide a smart compromise: maximize immediate execution while avoiding missed opportunities due to rigid all-or-nothing rules.
FOK vs. FAK: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | FOK Order | FAK Order |
|---|---|---|
| Full execution only | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (partial fills allowed) |
| Partial execution | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Immediate cancellation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | High-precision institutional trades | Active trading in variable liquidity |
While both orders emphasize immediacy, the key difference lies in flexibility: FOK prioritizes completeness, while FAK prioritizes opportunity capture.
Where Can You Use FOK and FAK Orders?
Different Chinese futures exchanges have varying rules regarding the use of FOK and FAK instructions. Here’s a breakdown:
Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE)
- ✅ Supports both FOK and FAK orders
- Must be used with limit orders only
- ❌ Not allowed during auction sessions
- Only valid during continuous trading hours
China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX)
- ✅ Limit orders can include FOK/FAK conditions
- ❌ Market orders do not support FOK/FAK directly
Instead, uses specialized market instruction variants like:
- “Best bid/ask immediate or cancel”
- “Best bid/ask immediate and convert to limit”
Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE)
- ✅ Both market and limit orders can carry FOK or FAK attributes
- Offers greater flexibility compared to other exchanges
- Also restricted to continuous trading periods
Understanding exchange-specific rules is crucial—misusing order types can lead to rejected trades or unintended executions.
Practical Use Cases: When to Use FOK vs. FAK
Use FOK When:
- You’re placing a large block order and want to avoid splitting your position.
- Market volatility is high, and you need clean entry/exit without partial exposure.
- You’re algorithmically trading and require deterministic behavior.
Example: A hedge fund wants to short 1,000 contracts of copper futures at ¥65,000. Using a FOK order ensures they either enter the full position at that price or stay out completely—avoiding uneven risk distribution.
Use FAK When:
- Liquidity is uncertain but you still want to act quickly.
- You’re scalping or day trading and value speed over perfection.
- Missing a trade entirely is riskier than getting a partial fill.
Example: A trader sees a breakout in soybean oil futures and places a FAK buy order for 500 lots. The market fills 320 lots instantly at the target price; the remaining 180 are canceled. They now have a partial position to ride the momentum without delay.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use FOK or FAK during pre-market or opening auctions?
A: No. Most major exchanges, including SHFE and DCE, prohibit FOK and FAK orders during集合竞价 (auction sessions). They’re only valid during continuous trading hours.
Q: What happens if my FAK order gets partially filled?
A: The filled portion executes immediately. The unfilled remainder is canceled right away—no further attempts are made to execute it.
Q: Are FOK and FAK available on all trading platforms?
A: Not necessarily. While supported by major exchanges, your broker or trading software must also enable these order types. Always verify platform capabilities before relying on them.
Q: Is there a risk of missing trades with FOK orders?
A: Yes. Because FOK requires full execution, low liquidity often leads to rejection. Use it selectively—only when full-size entry/exit is critical.
Q: Do international exchanges support similar order types?
A: Many do. For example, U.S. futures markets offer "IOC" (Immediate or Cancel) and "AON" (All or None), which resemble FAK and FOK logic respectively.
Q: Which is better for beginners—FOK or FAK?
A: Beginners should start with standard limit orders. Once comfortable, try FAK for faster fills. Avoid FOK unless you fully understand its all-or-nothing nature.
Final Thoughts
Mastering order types like FOK and FAK elevates your trading precision and responsiveness. Whether you're navigating thin markets or executing high-speed strategies, these tools give you control over how—and how much—your trades are filled.
While they may seem minor compared to broader strategy decisions, the right order type can make the difference between a successful trade and an inefficient one. As markets evolve and competition intensifies, understanding nuanced execution options becomes not just helpful—but essential.
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