what time can i buy stocks: U.S. trading hours

What time can i buy stocks?

Lead / Quick summary: If you’re asking "what time can i buy stocks", the short answer is: U.S.-listed stocks trade on NYSE and NASDAQ during regular market hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays, while many brokerages also permit trading in pre‑market and after‑hours windows (hours vary by broker). Mutual funds transact only at end‑of‑day NAV; cryptocurrencies trade continuously 24/7. This article explains session definitions, broker differences (including extended/overnight access), order types, liquidity and risk considerations, and product-specific rules. It also points to practical steps for retail traders and highlights Bitget services where relevant.

Note on market context: As of Dec. 29, 2025, according to the supplied market roundup, Apple (AAPL) had a market cap of about $4.0T and traded near $272, while Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) traded near $502.65 — illustrating that major stock data are time‑sensitive and that quoted values can change intraday. Always verify live quotes with your broker or exchange before trading.

Quick answer (at a glance)

• Regular U.S. equity hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (except holidays).
• Common pre‑market windows: many brokers accept orders beginning as early as 4:00–7:00 a.m. ET, with active pre‑market liquidity often from 8:00 a.m. ET until market open.
• Common after‑hours windows: many brokers allow trading from 4:00 p.m. ET to 8:00 p.m. ET; some offer narrower or extended overnight access.
• Mutual funds: orders executed once per day at that day’s NAV (after market close), not intraday.
• Cryptocurrencies: trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (no central exchange holiday closures).

If you specifically wonder "what time can i buy stocks" for a given security, check your broker’s trading hours and the exchange calendar — orders placed outside supported windows may queue for the next session.

Regular market hours

U.S. exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ)

The primary U.S. stock markets operate set core hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on business days. These regular market hours are when the bulk of daily liquidity and official opening and closing prices occur. Most retail and institutional market participants consider trades during this window to reflect the most reliable price discovery.

Important notes:

• Trading occurs only on weekdays; national exchange holidays close trading for the day.
• Exchanges periodically observe early‑close schedules (commonly 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. ET) on certain days, such as the day after Thanksgiving or on Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday.
• Official exchange calendars list holidays and early‑close days; always confirm the date with your broker or the exchange calendar before trading.

Other major exchanges (TSX, LSE, Tokyo, etc.)

International exchange hours vary by country and time zone: for example, the Toronto Stock Exchange has different hours than the London Stock Exchange or the Tokyo Stock Exchange. If you trade foreign‑listed stocks or ETFs, convert those local hours to your timezone and remember that currency and settlement conventions may differ.

Pre‑market, after‑hours, and extended sessions

Definitions and typical windows

Pre‑market and after‑hours are collectively called "extended hours." They allow trading outside the core 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET session.

• Pre‑market: the session before the regular open. Brokers commonly accept orders from early morning (e.g., 4:00–7:00 a.m. ET), but meaningful liquidity typically increases after 8:00 a.m. ET.
• After‑hours (post‑market): the session right after the 4:00 p.m. ET close. Many brokers route orders from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET; some provide access beyond 8:00 p.m. or overnight access on selected securities.

Windows vary by broker and venue. When you ask "what time can i buy stocks" and expect extended‑hours execution, the precise answer depends on which brokerage platform you use.

Broker‑specific extended/overnight offerings

Some brokers offer broader or narrower extended hours. Examples of common differences you will encounter:

• Some brokers let users trade from 4:00 a.m. ET through 8:00 p.m. ET; others restrict to 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET.
• A few brokers provide near‑24/5 access for selected securities — this means you may trade most weekdays outside of exchange core hours, but not on weekends.
• Availability by security: not every listed stock is eligible for extended trading on every broker; small‑cap, ADR, or less liquid names may be excluded.

Bitget: For investors working across digital assets and traditional equities, Bitget provides tools and wallet custody for crypto markets and dedicated educational resources about trading windows. If you use a multi‑asset plan, verify how Bitget’s services integrate with equity brokers or third‑party execution platforms.

How trades are routed and executed in extended hours

Extended‑hours trades are generally executed through alternative trading systems (ATS) or electronic communications networks (ECNs) rather than the main exchange order books. That changes the mechanics:

• Fewer matching counterparties: liquidity is concentrated in fewer venues and participants.
• Order types and restrictions: some ECNs accept only limit orders or have special tagging requirements for orders placed outside the core session.
• Price formation: absence of centralized order book depth can cause larger price swings and gaps between extended‑hours prices and the regular session.

Always check with your broker which ECNs or ATS venues it accesses during extended hours and whether it aggregates quotes from multiple venues.

Order types and execution rules

Market vs. limit orders outside regular hours

A key rule of thumb: avoid market orders in extended hours. Market orders do not guarantee a price and can execute at dramatically different prices in thin markets. Most brokers either disallow market orders in extended hours or strongly recommend against them.

• Limit orders: set a maximum buy price or minimum sell price; they let you control execution price and are commonly required for extended‑hours trading.
• Marketable limit or pegged orders: some broker platforms offer variations that aim to peg to displayed quotes — read platform documentation before using them during extended hours.

Time‑in‑force and special order handling

Common time‑in‑force instructions include Day, Good ’Til Canceled (GTC), Immediate or Cancel (IOC) and Fill or Kill (FOK). Note how brokers treat TIF outside standard hours:

• Orders placed outside supported hours may be queued and only routed once the next eligible session opens.
• Some brokers convert GTC to Day orders when markets close; confirm how your broker preserves or cancels orders placed during extended sessions.
• GTEM / GTD behavior: some platforms will execute only during extended windows and then cancel or resubmit at the next regular open — check broker policy.

When in doubt, contact your broker’s support or consult its order execution policy to understand how orders are handled when you ask "what time can i buy stocks" on that platform.

Liquidity, price discovery and risks

Lower liquidity and wider spreads

Extended hours typically have much lower traded volume than the regular session. Consequences:

• Wider bid/ask spreads — greater implicit transaction cost.
• Partial fills are more likely for large orders, and price impact can be outsized.
• Price improvement opportunities exist but come with execution risk.

Volatility from news and earnings releases

Companies frequently release material news and earnings outside regular hours. This concentrates trading interest in after‑hours sessions and can produce sharp price moves with limited counterparties. That increases execution uncertainty and the chance of receiving a price far from the next day’s open.

Price continuity and market data caveats

Quotes and trades in extended hours reflect activity on a smaller set of venues. Market data feeds may show out‑of‑session prices that are not directly comparable to open/close session quotes. Be cautious when referencing extended‑hours prints as if they were regular session trading levels.

Product differences affecting when you can buy

ETFs and stocks

• Most exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) and listed stocks can trade in extended hours when brokers support them. ETFs often provide intraday liquidity similar to stocks but can still be thinly traded outside core hours.

Mutual funds and some structured products

• Mutual funds: orders are priced once per day at that day’s Net Asset Value (NAV), usually calculated after the market close. Placing a mutual fund order during the trading day does not let you "buy a stock" intraday; execution occurs at end‑of‑day NAV.
• Closed‑end funds and some structured products may have their own trading rules; check prospectuses for execution details.

Options, bonds, and OTC securities

• Options: listed options follow the exchange hours for their options exchange; many options markets do not support extended hours in the same way equities do.
• Corporate bonds: typically traded OTC during bank hours; retail access may be limited and not comparable to equities.
• OTC and pink‑sheet securities: often carry lower liquidity and different trading rules; extended‑hours availability is broker‑dependent and generally limited.

Practical considerations for investors

Brokerage rules, fees and access

If you plan to trade outside regular hours, verify these with your broker:

• Exact extended‑hours windows (start/end times).
• Eligible securities list for extended hours.
• Order type restrictions and recommended settings.
• Fees or execution surcharges specific to extended sessions.

Ask whether the broker offers pre‑trade price indications for extended sessions and how it routes orders to ECNs or ATSs.

Bitget recommendation: For investors focused on digital assets and looking to combine crypto with traditional market education, Bitget provides secure custody via Bitget Wallet and educational content on market timing. When using Bitget or any broker, confirm equity trading windows and whether third‑party execution is supported.

Converting times and using market hours tools

• Convert ET to your local timezone and account for daylight saving time changes in both locations.
• Use exchange calendars and broker platform clocks to confirm session boundaries.
• Many broker platforms and financial news services provide timers showing time until open/close and whether extended hours are live.

Trading strategy tips

• Use limit orders during extended sessions to protect against wide spreads and adverse fills.
• Reduce order size relative to regular hours to minimize market impact in thin books.
• Verify news flow: earnings, guidance or corporate actions often drive extended‑hours volatility.
• If unsure about extended session prints, consider waiting for the regular open when liquidity is deeper.

International markets and time zones

How global hours affect U.S. trading and opportunities

Overlaps between major markets create windows of heightened activity and information flow. For example, when European markets are open, U.S. pre‑market traders monitor Europe’s close and economic releases. News or macro data released in other regions can influence U.S. pre‑market prices.

Converting exchange hours for retail traders

Tools: timezone converters, broker calendars and world market hours widgets help translate local time into exchange hours. Be aware of daylight saving transitions which may temporarily shift overlap windows.

How cryptocurrencies differ

Cryptocurrencies trade continuously 24/7 on crypto venues and non‑custodial wallets. That means there is always price movement and trade execution possible, unlike equities with defined regular hours and extended sessions. Key implications:

• There is no exchange holiday closure; markets are open on weekends and holidays.
• Liquidity and spreads vary by time and by token; highly liquid tokens like Bitcoin tend to have tighter spreads than smaller altcoins even outside typical business hours.
• For custody and wallet access, Bitget Wallet is recommended in this article’s context as a secure option for storing and interacting with crypto assets while you use Bitget’s marketplace resources for education and market access.

Holidays, early closes and exceptional closures

U.S. exchanges observe several holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). On some holidays the market may be fully closed; on others early closing hours apply. Exchanges also have procedures for emergency closures.

Practical steps:

• Check the official exchange holiday calendar and your broker’s announcement page.
• Expect lower liquidity on days adjacent to holidays and potential for unusual price action.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy stocks on weekends?

A: Generally no — U.S. exchanges are closed on weekends. Some brokers accept orders on weekends that are routed at the next market open, and some platforms allow limited OTC or simulated weekend order entry, but execution occurs only when a supporting venue is open.

Q: Are after‑hours trades guaranteed?

A: No. After‑hours trades are not guaranteed in price, fill, or continuity. Liquidity is lower and counterparties fewer, so fills may be partial or at prices far from regular‑session levels.

Q: Can I trade every stock in extended hours?

A: Not necessarily. Extended‑hours eligibility depends on your broker and the security. Some thinly traded or OTC names may be excluded.

Q: If I place a market order during extended hours, what happens?

A: Many brokers either reject market orders outside core hours or convert them to limit orders; if a market order is accepted, you risk a large price deviation. Use limit orders to control execution price.

Q: How do mutual funds differ from stocks regarding timing?

A: Mutual funds execute once per day at the NAV calculated after markets close. Even if you place an order midday, it executes at that day’s NAV, not at an intraday price.

References and further reading

Primary sources used for this guide (titles and publishers):

• "Understanding Pre‑Market and After‑Hours Trading" — TD Bank
• "Extended Hours Trading" — Charles Schwab
• "After‑Hours Trading: How It Works" — The Motley Fool
• "Stock Market Hours: Know When The Market Opens" — Stash
• "Trading Session / Trading Hours" — Investopedia
• "Stock Market Trading Hours" — Kiplinger
• "Stock Market Hours: Opening and Closing Times" — Benzinga
• "The U.S. Stock Trading Sessions" — Sahm Capital
• "What time does the stock market open?" — Yahoo Finance

Reporting context for market data quoted above:

• As of Dec. 29, 2025, according to the supplied market roundup, Apple (AAPL) and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) figures were cited as examples of market size and trading activity to illustrate that stock quotes and market caps are time‑sensitive.

Sources for live quotes, order rules and exchange calendars are the exchanges and brokerage platforms themselves — always consult your broker for current hours and execution policies.

Practical next steps and Bitget note

• If you want to know exactly "what time can i buy stocks" on the platform you use, open your brokerage account settings or help center and search "trading hours" or "extended hours." Confirm eligible symbols and order types.
• For a combined digital‑asset and market education approach, explore Bitget resources and consider using the Bitget Wallet for crypto custody while using regulated broker platforms for U.S. equity execution. Bitget’s educational materials can help you understand market session differences and risk controls.

Further explore Bitget features to learn about crypto market hours, custody and security best practices.

Final reminders

Trading outside regular hours carries different risks and mechanics than trading during the core session. When you ask "what time can i buy stocks", the correct actionable answer for your situation depends on: the exchange listing, the broker you use, the type of security, and whether the market is in a holiday or early‑close state. Use limit orders, check broker rules, and validate quotes in real time.

Ready to learn more? Check your broker’s trading hours now and review Bitget’s educational guides to compare continuous crypto markets with equity sessions. Understanding "what time can i buy stocks" is the first step toward safer, better‑informed trading.