Regular and Extended Hours Trading Sessions

Regular trading hours

The regular market session starts at 9:30AM EST and ends at 4:00PM EST.

Extended trading hours

Pre-market session

Webull provides access to the pre-market session, which runs from 4:00 AM EST until the regular market session opens at 9:30 AM EST.

Extended hours session

You also have access to the extended hours session, which runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST, starting when the market closes. Please note that only limit orders can be placed during this time.

How can I trade the extended hours session?

To trade during the extended session, please follow the instructions below for the Webull mobile app, desktop, and web:

App:

1. Select the symbol you wish to trade.
2. Tap Trade.
3. Within the order ticket, tap the dropdown right of Trading Hours.
4. Select Include Ext.

Desktop:

1. Locate the stock you wish to buy or sell.
2. Within the Trade widget, click the drowdown under Trading Hours.
3. Click Include Extended Hours.

Web:

1. Navigate to Trade.
2. Within the order ticket, click the Extended Hours dropdown.
3. Click Yes.

How can I enable or disable extended hours quotes on the chart?

To enable and disable extended hours quotes, please use the instructions below for the Webull mobile app and web:

App:

1. Choose your desired symbol to trade.
2. Select the Chart Toolbox (clover icon in the bottom right of the chart).
3. Tap Settings ➝ Including Extended Hours.

Desktop & Web:

1. Choose your desired symbol to trade.
2. Click the Ext. button located in the bottom right of the chart.

What are the limitations of extended hours trading?

Order protection rule not applied

During extended hours, there is no requirement for trades to be executed at the best available price across all exchanges. This lack of protection can lead to wider bid-ask spreads and potentially worse execution prices due to reduced liquidity.

Increased volatility and lower liquidity

Trading volumes and liquidity are typically lower during extended hours compared to regular market sessions. Without the protections of Regulation NMS, this can lead to higher price volatility and challenges in executing large orders without significantly affecting the stock price.

Limited market participation

Some securities, including options (with certain index and equity exceptions), warrants, rights, OTC stocks, and fractional shares, are not available for trading during extended hours. Additionally, fewer market participants during these hours can result in reduced liquidity and lower execution quality.

Limit orders only

During extended hours, only limit orders are accepted, and you must choose Extended Hours when placing your order.

For more information about extended hours trading, please view the Extended Hours disclosure linked below:

Why can't I place a trade in extended hours?

If you try to place a DAY order during after-hours without selecting extended hours, a message will appear stating that no market is available and to try again after 2:00 AM on the next business day. Confirm that the Extended Hours option is selected.

When placing your first pre-market or extended hours trade, you’ll be prompted to read and acknowledge the extended hours agreement. Once accepted, you won’t need to re-acknowledge it for future trades.

If Extended Hours is not selected, your order will be treated as a regular DAY order and will be routed to the market at the start of the next regular trading session.