How to set up a time-weighted order on Kraken?

Time-weighted orders on Kraken help manage large crypto trades by executing them in smaller parts over time, reducing market impact and slippage.

Apr 24, 2025 at 04:07 am

Setting up a time-weighted order on Kraken can be an effective strategy for managing your cryptocurrency trades over time. Time-weighted orders allow you to execute a larger order in smaller increments over a specified period, helping to minimize the impact on the market price. In this article, we will guide you through the detailed process of setting up a time-weighted order on Kraken, ensuring you understand each step and the implications for your trading strategy.

Understanding Time-Weighted Orders

Before diving into the setup process, it's important to grasp what a time-weighted order entails. A time-weighted order is designed to distribute the execution of a large order over a period, reducing the likelihood of significant price slippage. This method is particularly useful for traders dealing with large volumes, as it helps to maintain a more stable market impact. By breaking down the order into smaller parts, you can achieve a better average price over time.

Prerequisites for Setting Up a Time-Weighted Order

To set up a time-weighted order on Kraken, you need to ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

• A verified Kraken account: You must have a fully verified account on Kraken to access advanced trading features.
• Sufficient funds: Ensure that your account has enough of the cryptocurrency you wish to trade.
• Familiarity with Kraken's interface: You should be comfortable navigating Kraken's trading platform.

Navigating to the Trading Interface

To begin setting up your time-weighted order, follow these steps:

• Log into your Kraken account: Access your Kraken account using your credentials.
• Navigate to the trading section: Once logged in, click on the "Trade" tab at the top of the page to access the trading interface.
• Select the trading pair: Choose the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade. For example, if you're trading Bitcoin for Ethereum, select the BTC/ETH pair.

Setting Up the Time-Weighted Order

Now that you're in the trading interface, you can proceed with setting up your time-weighted order:

• Select the order type: Click on the "Advanced" tab to access more order types. From the dropdown menu, select "Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP)".
• Specify the total amount: Enter the total amount of cryptocurrency you wish to trade. For example, if you want to sell 10 BTC, enter "10" in the amount field.
• Set the duration: Define the time frame over which you want the order to be executed. You can choose from predefined intervals or set a custom duration. For instance, you might select "1 hour" or "24 hours".
• Determine the order size: Specify the size of each smaller order that will be executed over the duration. This could be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total order. For example, if you choose to execute the order in 10 equal parts, each part would be 1 BTC if you're selling 10 BTC.
• Review and confirm: Double-check all the parameters you've set, including the total amount, duration, and order size. Once you're satisfied, click "Submit" to place the order.

Monitoring Your Time-Weighted Order

After placing your time-weighted order, it's crucial to monitor its progress:

• Check the order status: Navigate to the "Orders" tab on Kraken's platform to see the status of your time-weighted order. You'll see the total order and each smaller order as they are executed.
• Adjust if necessary: If market conditions change, you may need to adjust the order parameters. You can cancel the remaining parts of the order and set up a new time-weighted order with updated parameters.

Understanding the Benefits and Risks

While time-weighted orders offer several benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential risks:

• Benefits: Time-weighted orders can help reduce market impact and achieve a better average price. They are particularly useful for large orders, as they help to manage slippage and maintain price stability.
• Risks: However, time-weighted orders are not without risks. If the market moves significantly against your position during the execution period, you could end up with a less favorable average price. Additionally, there's the risk of partial order execution if liquidity dries up.

FAQs

Q: Can I cancel a time-weighted order after it has started executing?

A: Yes, you can cancel a time-weighted order at any time. However, you can only cancel the parts of the order that have not yet been executed. Any executed parts will remain as completed trades.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum duration for a time-weighted order on Kraken?

A: Kraken does not specify a minimum duration for time-weighted orders, but the maximum duration is typically set to 24 hours. You can choose from predefined intervals or set a custom duration within this range.

Q: Can I set up a time-weighted order for any cryptocurrency pair on Kraken?

A: Time-weighted orders are available for most trading pairs on Kraken, but it's always a good idea to check the specific pair you're interested in to ensure this feature is supported.

Q: How does Kraken handle partial fills with time-weighted orders?

A: If a smaller order within your time-weighted order is only partially filled, Kraken will attempt to fill the remaining amount in subsequent orders. If liquidity is insufficient, the remaining part of the order may not be executed.