You're ready to dive into the exciting world of extended-hours trading on Webull! Many new traders, and even some experienced ones, aren't aware of how to properly view and participate in the action that happens before the market opens (pre-market) and after it closes (after-hours). This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to show after-hours data on Webull, understand its implications, and even place trades during these crucial periods.
Let's get started, shall we?
Unlocking the Full Picture: How to Show After-Hours on Webull
Seeing the after-hours price movements of a stock is crucial for understanding its full trading day. Often, major news, earnings reports, or global events impact a stock's price outside of regular market hours. Webull provides excellent tools to visualize this data.
Step 1: Accessing the Stock's Chart
First things first, you need to be on the chart of the stock you're interested in.
Open your Webull App or Desktop Platform: Whether you're on your mobile device or desktop, launch the Webull application.
Search for the Stock: Use the search bar (usually at the top of the app or platform) to find the ticker symbol of the stock you want to analyze. For example, type "AAPL" for Apple or "TSLA" for Tesla.
Navigate to the Chart View: Once you select the stock, you'll typically land on its detailed quote page. Look for the chart section which displays the price movements.
Step 2: Enabling Extended Hours Data on the Chart
Now that you're on the stock's chart, let's make sure you're seeing the full picture, including after-hours data.
Sub-heading: On the Webull Mobile App
Tap the Chart Toolbox Icon: Look for a clover-shaped icon or a gear/settings icon usually located at the bottom right of the chart. Tap on it to open the chart settings.
Locate "Including Extended Hours": Within the chart settings menu, scroll down until you find the option labeled "Including Extended Hours."
Toggle it On: Tap the toggle switch next to "Including Extended Hours" to enable it. It will typically turn green or blue, indicating it's active.
You should immediately see the chart extend to show pre-market and after-hours price action. The background might change color or a shaded area might appear to differentiate regular trading hours from extended hours.
Sub-heading: On the Webull Desktop Platform
Find the "Ext." Button: On the desktop chart, look for a button labeled "Ext." or "Extended Hours" usually located at the bottom right of the chart area.
Click to Activate: Click on this button. It will illuminate or change color, indicating that extended hours data is now displayed on your chart.
Just like on the mobile app, your chart will now visually represent the pre-market and after-hours trading activity.
Step 3: Understanding What You See (and What You Can Do)
Once you've enabled extended hours, you're observing a more comprehensive view of the stock's performance. Here's what that entails:
Sub-heading: Pre-Market Trading Hours
US Stocks: Pre-market trading typically runs from 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET. During this period, you'll see trades executing before the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ officially open.
Why it's important: This is often when companies release earnings, or significant news breaks, leading to early price movements that can dictate the stock's open.
Sub-heading: After-Hours Trading Hours
US Stocks: After-hours trading generally runs from 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET. This session allows trading to continue after the regular market closes.
Why it's important: Post-market movements can be influenced by late-breaking news, analyst upgrades/downgrades, or simply continued investor reaction to the day's events.
Sub-heading: Overnight Trading (24/5 Trading)
Webull has expanded its offerings to include "Overnight Trading" for select securities, providing 24/5 access to some US stocks and ETFs. This extends trading even further than traditional pre-market and after-hours.
Hours: Typically from 8:00 PM ET Sunday through 4:00 AM ET Friday.
Why it's important: This truly allows investors to react to global news and earnings releases instantly, even when traditional US markets are closed.
Step 4: Placing Trades During Extended Hours
Viewing after-hours data is one thing; acting on it is another. Webull makes it straightforward to place orders during these extended sessions.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Extended Hours Trading
Before placing an order, keep these crucial points in mind:
Limit Orders Only: During extended hours, only limit orders are accepted. Market orders are not permitted due to the lower liquidity and higher volatility. This helps protect you from unexpected price swings.
Lower Liquidity & Higher Volatility: Trading volumes are generally much lower during extended hours compared to regular sessions. This means:
Wider Bid-Ask Spreads: The difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept can be larger.
Slower Fills: Your order might take longer to fill, or may not fill at all, especially for larger quantities.
Exaggerated Price Movements: Smaller trades can have a more significant impact on the stock's price.
Order Protection Rule Not Applied: The "best available price" rule across all exchanges generally doesn't apply during extended hours. You might not get the absolute best price.
News Impact: Major news, particularly earnings reports, can have an immediate and dramatic effect. Be prepared for rapid price changes.
Sub-heading: How to Place an Extended Hours Trade
Select the Stock and Tap "Trade": From the stock's quote page, tap the "Trade" button (or similar on desktop). This will open the order ticket.
Enter Your Order Details:
Action: Select "Buy" or "Sell."
Order Type: Choose "Limit."
Price: Enter your desired limit price. Be mindful of the current extended-hours price and the bid/ask spread.
Quantity: Enter the number of shares you want to trade.
Crucial Step: Select "Include Extended Hours"
In the order ticket, you'll see a dropdown or option related to "Trading Hours" or "Time in Force."
Tap on this and select "Include Extended Hours" (or "EXT" or "Good Till Close Extended Hours," depending on the version).
If you do not select this option, your limit order will only be valid during regular market hours.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all your order details, including the price, quantity, and importantly, that "Include Extended Hours" is selected.
Place Order: Confirm your order.
Your order will now be active for the specified extended trading hours. Remember, if your order isn't filled before the next regular trading session begins (for pre-market orders) or before the extended session ends, it will typically be canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions about After-Hours Trading on Webull
Here are 10 common questions related to showing and utilizing after-hours on Webull, with quick answers:
How to see pre-market and after-hours data on Webull charts?
You can enable pre-market and after-hours data on a stock's chart by tapping the "Chart Toolbox" icon (mobile app) or the "Ext." button (desktop platform) and toggling on/selecting "Including Extended Hours."
How to place a trade during after-hours on Webull?
To place an after-hours trade, select "Limit" as your order type and crucially, choose "Include Extended Hours" in the "Trading Hours" or "Time in Force" option within the order ticket.
How to know the exact extended trading hours on Webull for US stocks?
Regular pre-market hours are 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET, and after-hours are 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET. Webull also offers 24/5 "Overnight Trading" for select securities (8:00 PM ET Sunday to 4:00 AM ET Friday).
How to identify if an order is eligible for extended hours on Webull?
Only limit orders are eligible for extended hours trading on Webull. You must explicitly select the "Include Extended Hours" option in the order ticket.
How to cancel an after-hours order on Webull?
You can cancel an active after-hours order the same way you cancel a regular market order – go to your "Orders" tab, find the pending order, and select "Cancel."
How to understand the risks of after-hours trading on Webull?
After-hours trading carries higher risks due to lower liquidity, increased volatility, wider bid-ask spreads, and the "Order Protection Rule" generally not applying, which can lead to less favorable execution prices.
How to find the list of stocks available for Webull's 24/5 Overnight Trading?
Webull generally highlights stocks eligible for 24/5 Overnight Trading. You can often find a dedicated section or list within the app or on their website detailing these securities.
How to differentiate between regular and extended hours on the Webull chart?
Webull visually differentiates regular trading hours from extended hours on the chart, often using a different background color or shaded areas for the pre-market and after-hours sessions.
How to get real-time extended hours quotes on Webull?
Webull provides real-time quotes for extended hours, but remember that due to lower liquidity, these prices can be more volatile and may not reflect the broad market consensus until regular hours.
How to use after-hours data for trading strategies on Webull?
After-hours data can be used to react quickly to news, earnings, or global events. Traders often use it to establish early positions or exit volatile ones before the next regular trading session. However, always exercise caution due to the unique risks involved.