[Ch@rt3]

Quick one-does day trading count after-hours moves too or is it just during regular market hours? Like, are people actually trading pre-market and late night or is that more of a swing trader thing? Trying to figure out where the real action is!

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[Steve]

Most day traders I know stick to regular market hours (9:30am to 4:00pm ET). Pre-market and after-hours usually have low volume so you’ll probably encounter wider spreads and possibly execution delays.

I’ve met swing traders who love pre-market and after-hours though, especially for gap plays and news reaction trades.

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[ABTrading 87]

I agree with Steve – extended hours aren’t optimal for day traders – the markets can move quickly and there isn’t the volume to get in and out of positions quickly (and at profit).

You’ve got to really know what you’re doing if you want to day trade during pre and after hours.

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[Ch@rt3]

I feared this may be the case, thanks! Even within half 9 to 4 are there times where you see the most price action?

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[Tom Smith]

Regular hours are where the vast majority of the volume and liquidity are. This is where I see most of the “real” day trading action happening my man.

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[Ch@rt3]

Thanks Tom! What is it that you trade and when periods do you focus on?

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[AvenlinDavis]

Are the trading rules during pre-market and post-market sessions the same as during regular trading hours? For instance, are there any differences in order placement methods or commission fees?

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[James Barra]

Hi Avenlin,

The rules can change if you’re active during pre- and post- market sessions. For instance, some brokers we’ve tested only permit certain order types – often limit orders only, with no market, stop, or stop-limit.

There can be a lower limit on maximum position sizes too, e.g. the total number of shares you can buy.

Commission fees are typically the same, but due to lower liquidity, you may see wider spreads and experience partial fills. So higher costs overall and worse entries/exits.

Pre- and after-hours trading is normally only permitted on certain stocks too, most commonly large-cap US equities.

The actual hours you can trade can vary as well – some firms offer 24-hour trading, whereas other platforms focus on the few hours around main trading sessions (this is more common).

Ultimately, brokers can have different rules during extended hours trading. I suggest checking the specifics with the brokerage you have in mind. Equally, if you share their name we’re happy to dig into this for you.

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