Do you want to unlock the potential of trading beyond the traditional 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM EST window? Ever wondered what opportunities you might be missing when the regular market closes? Well, you're in the right place! Webull offers robust extended-hours trading capabilities, allowing you to react to news, earnings reports, and global market movements in real-time, even when others are off the clock.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to enable and utilize after-hours trading on Webull, making sure you're fully equipped to take advantage of these crucial extended periods.
Let's dive in!
Understanding Webull's Extended Trading Hours
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's essential to understand what "after-hours" means on Webull and the different extended sessions available for US stocks:
Pre-Market Session: 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET
Regular Market Session: 9:30 AM ET to 4:00 PM ET
After-Hours Session: 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET (Note: Webull has also introduced "Overnight Trading" for US stocks and ETFs from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM ET, Sunday through Thursday, in collaboration with Blue Ocean Technologies, providing almost 24/5 access for certain securities. This allows for even more flexibility!)
Step 1: Accessing the Webull App/Desktop Platform
First things first, you need to open your Webull platform.
Sub-heading: On Your Mobile Device (Webull App)
Locate the Webull app icon on your smartphone or tablet. It's typically a red and white bull logo.
Tap on the icon to launch the application.
Log in using your credentials if prompted.
Sub-heading: On Your Desktop Computer (Webull Desktop)
Open the Webull desktop application on your computer.
If you don't have it installed, you can access the Webull web platform through your browser by visiting the official Webull website and logging in.
Enter your username and password to gain access to your trading interface.
Step 2: Navigating to the Desired Stock's Order Page
Once you're logged in, you need to find the stock you want to trade during extended hours.
Sub-heading: Searching for Your Stock
Mobile App:
Look for the "Markets" tab or a search icon (magnifying glass) at the bottom of your screen.
Tap on it and use the search bar to type in the ticker symbol (e.g., AAPL for Apple) or the company name.
Select the correct stock from the search results.
Desktop Platform:
On the main dashboard, you'll usually find a search bar at the top or a section dedicated to stock quotes.
Type the ticker symbol or company name into the search bar and hit Enter.
Click on the desired stock to bring up its detailed quote page.
Step 3: Initiating a Trade Order
Now that you're on the stock's page, it's time to prepare your trade order.
Sub-heading: Tapping the "Trade" Button
Mobile App:
On the stock's detail page, you'll typically see a prominent "Trade" button, often located at the bottom of the screen.
Tap this button to open the order entry ticket.
Desktop Platform:
Within the stock's view, locate the "Trade" widget or section. This is usually on the right-hand side or integrated into the main display.
Click on "Trade" to bring up the order entry panel.
Step 4: Selecting "Include Extended Hours"
This is the crucial step for enabling after-hours trading. Webull requires you to explicitly opt-in for extended hours trading when placing your order.
Sub-heading: Locating the "Trading Hours" Option
Mobile App:
On the order ticket screen, look for a dropdown menu or an option labeled "Trading Hours". It's usually located near the order type (Limit, Market, Stop, etc.) or Time-in-Force (Day, GTC) options.
Tap on this dropdown.
Desktop Platform:
In the Trade widget, you'll find a similar dropdown menu under "Trading Hours".
Click on this dropdown.
Sub-heading: Choosing "Include Extended Hours"
From the options presented in the "Trading Hours" dropdown, select "Include Extended Hours".
You might also see "Regular Hours Only" or similar options. Make sure you choose the one that explicitly includes extended hours.
Step 5: Choosing Your Order Type (Limit Order is Key!)
Important Note: During extended trading hours, only limit orders are accepted on Webull. This is a critical safety measure due to lower liquidity and potentially wider bid-ask spreads during these times.
Sub-heading: Setting Your Limit Price
After selecting "Include Extended Hours," you must choose "Limit" as your order type.
Enter the specific price at which you are willing to buy or sell the stock. This is your limit price. For example, if a stock is currently trading at $100 in extended hours and you only want to buy it if it drops to $99.50, you would set your limit price at $99.50.
Why Limit Orders? Unlike market orders (which execute immediately at the best available price), limit orders give you control over the execution price. This is vital in after-hours trading where prices can be more volatile and spreads wider. A market order in extended hours could result in an undesirable execution price.
Sub-heading: Specifying Quantity and Time-in-Force
Enter the number of shares you wish to buy or sell.
Select your Time-in-Force (TIF). Common options include:
Day: The order will remain active only until the end of the current extended trading session.
GTC (Good-Til-Cancelled): The order will remain active until it is executed or until you manually cancel it, typically for a maximum of 60 days. Be cautious with GTC orders during extended hours, as market conditions can change significantly overnight.
Step 6: Reviewing and Confirming Your Order
Always double-check your order before placing it!
Sub-heading: Verifying Order Details
Carefully review all the details of your order:
Stock Symbol: Is it the correct stock?
Action: Buy or Sell?
Order Type: Is it a Limit Order?
Quantity: Is the number of shares correct?
Limit Price: Is your desired price accurate?
Trading Hours: Does it clearly state "Include Extended Hours"?
Time-in-Force: Is the TIF set as you intend?
Sub-heading: Placing the Order
Once you are absolutely certain that all details are correct, proceed to place your order. The button might be labeled "Buy", "Sell", or "Place Order".
You may receive a confirmation prompt. Read it carefully and confirm your decision.
Considerations and Risks of After-Hours Trading
While after-hours trading offers flexibility, it's crucial to be aware of the inherent risks:
Lower Liquidity: Fewer participants mean fewer buyers and sellers, which can lead to wider bid-ask spreads. This can make it harder to get your desired price and might result in significant price swings.
Increased Volatility: News releases or significant events can cause drastic price movements in illiquid markets during extended hours.
Limited Order Types: As mentioned, only limit orders are generally accepted.
No Order Protection Rule: The "Order Protection Rule" (also known as the "Manning Rule") which requires trades to be executed at the best available price across all exchanges, does not apply during extended hours. This can lead to less favorable execution prices.
Information Asymmetry: Not all market information may be as readily available or as widely disseminated during extended hours, potentially putting some traders at a disadvantage.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Webull's after-hours trading:
How to check the current extended trading hours on Webull?
You can find the specific pre-market and after-hours trading times for US stocks directly on the Webull app or desktop platform within the FAQ or Help Center sections. Generally, it's 4:00 AM ET - 9:30 AM ET for pre-market and 4:00 PM ET - 8:00 PM ET for after-hours, with some extended overnight trading for certain securities.
How to see extended hours quotes on Webull charts?
To enable extended hours quotes on your Webull chart, go to the stock's chart, tap the "Chart Toolbox" (often a clover icon on mobile or settings icon), then navigate to "Settings" and toggle on "Including Extended Hours." On desktop, look for an "Ext." button at the bottom right of the chart.
How to cancel an after-hours order on Webull?
You can cancel an after-hours order the same way you would a regular market order. Go to your "Orders" tab or section, locate the pending order, and tap or click "Cancel." Be quick, as orders can fill rapidly in volatile extended hours.
How to set up alerts for after-hours price movements on Webull?
Yes, Webull allows you to set price alerts. Go to the stock's detail page, find the "Alerts" or "Set Alert" option, and configure your desired price trigger. These alerts will generally notify you of price movements during both regular and extended hours.
How to understand the risks of after-hours trading on Webull?
Webull provides disclosures on the risks of extended-hours trading, which typically include lower liquidity, increased volatility, wider bid-ask spreads, and the limitation to limit orders. Always read these disclaimers before trading.
How to find out which stocks can be traded after hours on Webull?
Most US-listed stocks and ETFs are available for extended-hours trading on Webull. However, certain securities like options (with some exceptions), warrants, rights, OTC stocks, and fractional shares may not be available. You'll typically find this information in Webull's FAQ.
How to differentiate between pre-market and after-hours trading on Webull?
Pre-market trading occurs before the regular market opens (4:00 AM - 9:30 AM ET), while after-hours trading occurs after the regular market closes (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET). Webull also has an "Overnight Trading" session for select assets.
How to ensure my after-hours order gets filled on Webull?
There's no guarantee an after-hours limit order will fill, especially with lower liquidity. To increase the chances, set your limit price strategically, considering the current bid-ask spread. A price closer to the current market price will have a higher chance of execution.
How to manage stop-loss orders in after-hours trading on Webull?
Generally, stop orders (like stop-loss or stop-limit) are not directly supported for execution during extended hours on Webull. This means your stop order will only become active and potentially execute during regular market hours. You must use limit orders for direct extended-hours trading.
How to access the overnight trading feature on Webull?
Webull's overnight trading (8:00 PM - 4:00 AM ET, Sunday-Thursday) for US stocks and ETFs is a newer feature. To access it, follow the same steps for placing an extended-hours trade (select "Include Extended Hours" for the relevant security). This feature expands upon the traditional pre-market and after-hours sessions.