Stock Hours – What You Should Know

When the stock market is open for trading, there are several things you should know. First, you need to know the exact times of stock trading. Most markets open between 9:30 am and 10:30 am eastern time, and they close at around 4:00 pm. However, some stocks will open earlier or close later depending on the day of the week. Besides, there are some holidays that affect stock exchange hours.

Professional traders will tell you that the stock market’s “power hours” occur on Mondays and Fridays. During these times, the most large transactions are executed on the market. You can also get information about outages from specialized websites that offer tracking tools. There are also personalized videos and articles on stock hours. For example, you can watch videos hosted by YouTubers like Timothy Stykes and Benzinga. These channels will discuss the stock market’s power hours and their relevance to your own trading strategy.

Trading during off-hours can be risky, however. The price of a stock can swing significantly, and you could end up losing a deal. In addition, you may not get the volume or price you desire. You may also encounter computer glitches. Therefore, it’s best to stay within the normal trading hours.

In general, the stock market’s hours are determined by when the stock market opens and closes. Trading during pre and after-market hours can be risky, so it’s important to learn as much as you can about the market’s hours. Knowing the best time to trade a particular stock can minimize the risks involved and increase the chances of success.

Extended trading hours are the time when issuers make news announcements after regular market hours. These announcements are sometimes made during trading and are often more volatile than during regular market hours. The downside to this type of trading is that it often has lower liquidity and higher volatility, as well as a larger spread. It’s important to note that extended hours are not a good reflection of the stock’s price at the start of the next regular session.

After-hours trading can also offer the best opportunities for speculators. These after-hours sessions allow companies to release earnings before the public, which can lead to price swings that may be difficult to predict. However, some traders say this is a good thing because it means investors can react more quickly to earnings and news. The downside is that there may be too much uncertainty in the prices, as there are fewer investors trading during these times.

National holidays can affect stock market hours. Some exchanges close on the day before a holiday and reopen on the following Monday. For example, when Thanksgiving or Christmas are on the same weekend, the stock market will close on the Friday before the holiday. On national days of mourning, stocks and bonds may close early.