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Reading the order book

The order book is execution context, not certainty.

What to watch

  • Spread: tighter is usually easier execution
  • Near depth: more depth can reduce slippage
  • Imbalance: useful context, not a standalone signal

Practical habits

  1. Check spread before urgent orders
  2. Compare size against near depth
  3. Prefer staged entries in thin liquidity
  4. Re-evaluate after partial fills