Order Priority Rules
Order Priority Rules are the established protocols that dictate which orders are executed first when multiple participants submit orders at the same price. The most common rule is Price-Time Priority, where the order with the best price and the earliest arrival time is executed first.
Other models include Pro-Rata, where orders are filled in proportion to their size. These rules are fundamental to the market's matching engine, as they define the incentive structure for liquidity providers.
By clearly defining priority, exchanges provide certainty to traders and encourage the submission of limit orders that deepen the market. Any deviation from these rules, or a lack of transparency regarding them, can create confusion and distrust among participants.
They are a core component of market design.