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It’s possible to trade outside the standard weekday market hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET — if your platform supports it. But before you engage in after-hours trading, weigh the benefits against the risks.
Yes, you can buy stocks after the market closes as long as your broker allows it. Late trading hours for US markets typically stretch from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Of course, not all trading platforms offer pre- and post-market trading, and those that do limit extended trading to set time windows that vary by broker.
Thanks to the time difference, it’s possible for US investors to trade in Australian and Asian markets on Sunday evenings.
Traders can also use electronic communication networks (ECNs) to trade on the weekend in the same way after-hours trades are conducted during the week. The network attempts to match potential buyers and sellers based on the trades they want to execute, but fills aren’t always possible — or profitable.
Extended trading hours vary by platform and trades are facilitated by electronic communication networks (ECNs) instead of stock exchanges. Trades run through the platform’s partnered ECN and buy and sell orders are matched by price.
Typically, there aren’t as many traders after hours. Not all platforms offer pre- or post-market trading and most active traders restrict their activity to regular market hours. There are perks to after-hours trading, but for many, the risks — primarily low liquidity — outweigh the benefits.
Any trade that takes place before the market opens or after it closes is considered an after-hours trade. Standard hours and after-hours vary by market:
While hours for international stock exchanges vary, most open between 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and close between 3:00 p.m to 5:30 p.m. in their local time.
Create custom watchlists, charts and screeners to make informed trades.
| Available asset types | Stocks, Options, ETFs |
|---|---|
| Stock trade fee | $0 |
| Option trade fee | $0 |
| Annual fee | 0% |
Before you engage in after-hours trading, consider the following:
| Broker | After hours trading time |
|---|---|
| Ally Invest | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET |
| Charles Schwab | 4:05 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET |
| E-trade | 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Fidelity | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Firstrade | 4:05 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Merrill Edge | 4:01 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Robinhood | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET |
| Tastyworks | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TD Ameritrade | 24 hours a day, Monday-Friday, for select securities only |
| Vanguard | 4:15 – 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Webull | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Wellstrade | 4:05 – 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Zacks Trade | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET |
If your trading platform allows after-hours trading, your order is submitted. If your platform doesn’t offer extended hours, your order will be executed at market open the following trading day.
Some orders are riskier than others when executing an after-hours trade. A market order instructs your broker to buy or sell stock at the prevailing market price: While you have no control over the price, trades are executed quickly. Market orders placed after the market closes are executed the following morning.
The risk of placing a market order after the market closes is that if anything happens overnight to affect the stock price, you could face a drastic loss.
To mitigate this risk, you could opt for a limit order: You tell your broker what price you’re willing to buy or sell and your order is only executed if those conditions are met. The trouble with limit orders is that the trade isn’t guaranteed — if the stock never hits the price you specify, the order won’t be executed.
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After-hours trading comes with unique benefits and risks. Investors have the opportunity to react to news events and trade at a time that’s potentially more convenient — but reduced trading volume means more volatility, wider spreads and ultimately, greater risk.
If you’re interested in after-hours trading, find a brokerage account that offers extended hours alongside the features best suited to your investment goals.
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