How to set iceberg order parameters on Kraken?

Setting up an iceberg order on Kraken involves navigating to the trading interface, selecting the order type, and carefully setting the total order size, peak size, and limit price.

Apr 23, 2025 at 05:14 pm

Setting up an iceberg order on Kraken can be a strategic way to execute large trades without significantly impacting the market price. An iceberg order allows you to display only a small portion of your total order size, with the rest hidden from the order book. This can help in maintaining a more favorable price as the market reacts to smaller visible quantities. In this article, we will walk through the detailed steps required to set up iceberg order parameters on Kraken, ensuring you understand each aspect of the process.

Understanding Iceberg Orders

Before diving into the setup process, it's important to understand what an iceberg order is. An iceberg order is a large order that is divided into smaller, visible portions, known as the "peak," and a larger, hidden portion, known as the "base." The peak is the only part visible to other market participants, while the base remains hidden until the peak is filled. This strategy is particularly useful for traders looking to buy or sell large volumes without causing significant price movements.

Accessing the Trading Interface

To begin setting up an iceberg order on Kraken, you first need to access the trading interface. Here are the steps to do so:

• Log into your Kraken account: Enter your username and password on the Kraken website.
• Navigate to the trading section: Once logged in, click on the "Trade" tab at the top of the page.
• Select the trading pair: Choose the cryptocurrency pair you wish to trade, such as BTC/USD or ETH/BTC.

Initiating an Iceberg Order

Once you are in the trading interface, you can start setting up your iceberg order. Follow these steps carefully:

• Click on the "New Order" button: This will open the order form where you can input your order details.
• Select "Iceberg Order" from the order type dropdown menu: Kraken offers various order types, so make sure to choose "Iceberg Order."
• Enter the total order size: This is the total amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell. For example, if you want to buy 10 BTC, enter 10 in the "Amount" field.
• Set the peak size: This is the visible portion of your order. For instance, if you want only 1 BTC to be visible at a time, enter 1 in the "Peak Size" field.
• Set the limit price: Enter the price at which you want your order to be executed. For example, if you want to buy BTC at $30,000, enter 30,000 in the "Price" field.
• Review your order details: Double-check all the parameters you have entered to ensure they are correct.
• Submit the order: Once you are satisfied with the settings, click the "Submit" button to place your iceberg order.

Monitoring and Managing Your Iceberg Order

After placing your iceberg order, it's crucial to monitor its progress and manage it effectively. Here's how you can do that:

• Check the order status: Navigate to the "Open Orders" section of your Kraken account to see the status of your iceberg order. You will see the peak size being filled, while the base remains hidden.
• Adjust the peak size if necessary: If market conditions change, you may want to adjust the peak size. To do this, go to the "Open Orders" section, find your iceberg order, and click on the "Edit" button. You can then modify the peak size and submit the changes.
• Cancel the order if needed: If you decide to cancel your iceberg order, go to the "Open Orders" section, find your order, and click on the "Cancel" button. The entire order, including the hidden base, will be canceled.

Understanding the Impact of Iceberg Orders

It's important to understand how iceberg orders can impact the market and your trading strategy. When you place an iceberg order, the visible peak can influence the market price, but the hidden base remains undisclosed, potentially reducing the immediate impact on the market. However, if the market detects the presence of an iceberg order, it may still react to the anticipated larger volume.

Tips for Using Iceberg Orders Effectively

To maximize the effectiveness of your iceberg orders on Kraken, consider the following tips:

• Choose the right peak size: The peak size should be large enough to attract liquidity but small enough to minimize market impact. Experiment with different peak sizes to find what works best for your trading strategy.
• Monitor market conditions: Keep an eye on market trends and adjust your iceberg order parameters accordingly. If the market becomes volatile, you may need to adjust the peak size or cancel the order.
• Use iceberg orders strategically: Iceberg orders are most effective when used to execute large trades without causing significant price movements. Use them as part of a broader trading strategy to achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use iceberg orders for all trading pairs on Kraken?

A: Iceberg orders are available for most trading pairs on Kraken, but it's always a good idea to check the specific pair you are interested in to confirm availability.

Q: How can I tell if my iceberg order is being detected by the market?

A: It can be challenging to determine if the market is detecting your iceberg order, but you may notice unusual price movements or increased trading volume around the visible peak size.

Q: Are there any fees associated with using iceberg orders on Kraken?

A: Kraken's fee structure applies to all order types, including iceberg orders. The fees depend on your trading volume and the specific trading pair, so refer to Kraken's fee schedule for more information.

Q: Can I place multiple iceberg orders simultaneously on Kraken?

A: Yes, you can place multiple iceberg orders at the same time on Kraken, as long as you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the total order size of all orders.