Check the TWS stop trigger method

Quick answer

A simulated stop can use last price, bid/ask, or another supported trigger method. A chart touch does not necessarily meet that method’s conditions. Check the product and whether the stop is simulated or native.

Educational software guidance. Trading involves risk. Read the financial and information disclaimers.

Step by step

1 Open the affected order’s details and read its trigger method.
2 Confirm the exact product type and whether that method is supported.
3 Compare the needed quote field with the trigger, not just the chart candle.
4 Check session eligibility and whether the order is active.
5 If a change is needed, review it with care and check the updated order.

A practical example

Your chart shows a last trade at the stop level, but the stop uses a bid/ask rule. A touch on the chart may not satisfy that rule. Read the method on the order, then compare the matching market field. Do not change it just to match the chart after the fact. First understand which event the stop was set to use and whether the contract supports that method.

Illustrative scenario, not a record of a trade placed during this review.

Screen reference

TWS stock preset Miscellaneous section with Trigger Method set to Default — File → Global Configuration → Presets → Stocks contains the Trigger Method default under Miscellaneous. Scroll the right panel to find it. A preset is not proof of the method on an existing order. No default was changed. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

How to confirm the result The order’s trigger conditions should be explicit and right for the contract.

Mistake to avoid

IBKR notes that an incompatible method may never trigger, and native stops may ignore the simulated trigger setting.

Common questions

Is Last the default for every product?

No. Default behavior varies by product.

Does the method apply to every exchange-native stop?

No. Native handling can follow the venue’s rules instead.

TWS says Submitted but the order has not filled TWS order stuck on PendingSubmit TWS order is Inactive: find the actual reason TWS combo rejected: verify every spread leg

Financial and information disclaimers

Financial disclaimer

These guides explain software. They are for education, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. No example is a suggestion to buy or sell a product or use a trading strategy. Trading can lose money, including all funds you put at risk. With margin, futures, short sales, or some options, losses can exceed your starting funds. Automation can fail, send duplicate orders, or act late. Stops do not guarantee a fill or a price. Review your orders and positions, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your own needs. Paper trades, examples, and past results do not predict live results or promise a profit.

Information disclaimer

This is general help based on the sources and check date shown on the page. Screens, settings, fees, data access, and product support can change or differ by app version, account, country, and broker. The content may contain errors or become out of date; accuracy, completeness, and continuous service are not guaranteed. Check current broker and app instructions before acting. Screenshots show where controls are; they do not prove that an order test passed. This guide does not replace broker terms or risk notices. References to IBKR and TradingView identify their products and do not imply their endorsement of this guide.