Freeze level and stop level: the two numbers few people read
Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2026 7:32 pm
Every symbol has a minimum stop distance and a freeze level set by the broker. Both sit in the contract specification, and both can ruin a scalping plan.
The stop level defines how close to the market a stop-loss, take-profit or pending order can be placed. On some accounts that's zero for majors. On others it's several pips, and that's bigger than the whole target of a tight scalp.
The freeze level is different. When price sits within that distance of a pending order, the order can't be modified or cancelled. During fast moves, that means an order stuck in place that can't be pulled.
Both numbers can change around news. A broker that allows tight stops during quiet hours may widen the limit at 8:30 New York.
Checking the symbol specification for each pair takes a minute. It also helps to test with a demo order near the market to see what the server actually accepts.
Has an unexpected stop level ever wrecked a trade plan?
The stop level defines how close to the market a stop-loss, take-profit or pending order can be placed. On some accounts that's zero for majors. On others it's several pips, and that's bigger than the whole target of a tight scalp.
The freeze level is different. When price sits within that distance of a pending order, the order can't be modified or cancelled. During fast moves, that means an order stuck in place that can't be pulled.
Both numbers can change around news. A broker that allows tight stops during quiet hours may widen the limit at 8:30 New York.
Checking the symbol specification for each pair takes a minute. It also helps to test with a demo order near the market to see what the server actually accepts.
Has an unexpected stop level ever wrecked a trade plan?