Have you ever been frustrated by market-moving news breaking after the closing bell, leaving you unable to react until the next trading day? Or perhaps you've wanted to capitalize on an earnings report released in the evening, only to find yourself sidelined by traditional market hours? If so, you're not alone! Many traders and investors feel the pinch of limited trading windows.
Fortunately, Webull offers robust extended-hours trading capabilities, allowing you to participate in the market outside of the standard 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET window. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to see and engage with after-hours trading on Webull, empowering you to make informed decisions around the clock.
Understanding After-Hours Trading on Webull
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify what after-hours trading entails on Webull. After-hours trading refers to the period after the regular market closes. Webull offers access to both pre-market and after-hours sessions, collectively known as extended hours.
Pre-Market Trading: Typically runs from 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET.
After-Hours Trading: Typically runs from 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET.
Overnight Trading: Webull has also introduced an Overnight Trading session, in partnership with Blue Ocean ATS, which allows for trading of select US stocks and ETFs from 8:00 PM ET to 4:00 AM ET, Sunday through Thursday. This offers near 24/5 access to the market.
Why is this important? Extended hours allow you to:
React to news released outside of regular market hours.
Potentially capture price movements before the next trading day.
Adjust your portfolio in response to unexpected events.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to See and Trade After-Hours on Webull
Getting started with after-hours trading on Webull is quite straightforward. Here's a detailed guide for both the mobile app and desktop platform:
Step 1: Open the Webull App or Desktop Platform
For Mobile App Users: Launch the Webull app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you're logged in to your account.
For Desktop Users: Open the Webull desktop application on your computer or navigate to the Webull web platform in your browser. Log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the Stock You Wish to Trade/Monitor
For Mobile App Users: On the main screen, use the search bar or your watchlist to find the stock symbol you're interested in. Tap on the stock symbol to open its detailed quote page.
For Desktop Users: In your watchlist or search bar, type in the stock symbol and click on it to open the stock's detailed view, which typically includes the chart and trading widget.
Step 3: Enable Extended Hours on the Chart (To See After-Hours Price Action)
This is crucial for visualizing what's happening outside regular market hours.
For Mobile App Users:
Once on the stock's detailed page, look for the chart area.
Tap the "Chart Toolbox" icon (often a clover or wrench icon, usually at the bottom right of the chart).
In the pop-up menu, navigate to Settings.
You should see an option like "Including Extended Hours" or "Show Extended Hours." Toggle this on.
You will now see the price action and volume from the pre-market and after-hours sessions directly on your chart!
For Desktop Users:
On the stock's detailed page, locate the chart widget.
Look for a button or setting, often labeled "Ext." or "Extended Hours", typically located near the bottom right or top of the chart.
Click this button to enable the display of extended hours data.
The chart will now extend to show activity before 9:30 AM ET and after 4:00 PM ET.
Step 4: Placing an Order for After-Hours Trading (Executing Trades)
Seeing the price action is one thing, but actually placing a trade during extended hours requires a specific setting when you create your order.
For Mobile App Users:
From the stock's detailed quote page, tap the "Trade" button (usually at the bottom of the screen).
This will open the order ticket.
Crucially, locate the "Trading Hours" dropdown menu (it might default to "Regular").
Tap on it and select** "Include Extended Hours"***.
Important Note: During extended hours, Webull primarily accepts only Limit Orders. This is a vital risk management feature due to lower liquidity and higher volatility. You cannot typically place market orders after hours.
Enter your desired price and quantity for the limit order.
Review your order details carefully and then confirm to place the trade.
For Desktop Users:
On the stock's detailed page, within the "Trade" widget (usually on the right side of the screen), you'll find the order entry form.
Look for the "Trading Hours" dropdown.
Click on it and select** "Include Extended Hours"***.
As with the mobile app, you'll need to select "Limit Order" as your order type.
Enter your limit price and the number of shares you wish to buy or sell.
Double-check all the details and then click "Place Order".
Sub-Headings for Deeper Understanding:
Understanding Order Types for After-Hours Trading
As mentioned, limit orders are generally the only order type accepted during extended hours. Why? Because after-hours markets typically have:
Lower Liquidity: Fewer buyers and sellers mean it's harder to find someone willing to trade at a specific price.
Wider Bid-Ask Spreads: The difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (ask) can be much larger than during regular hours.
A limit order ensures that your trade will only be executed at your specified price or better, protecting you from potentially unfavorable fills in a less liquid market. If the market doesn't reach your limit price, your order simply won't be filled.
Risks and Considerations of After-Hours Trading
While convenient, after-hours trading comes with its own set of risks that every trader should be aware of:
Increased Volatility: Due to lower trading volume, price swings can be more dramatic. A small number of trades can have a significant impact on the stock's price.
Lower Liquidity: It might be difficult to get your order filled, especially for larger quantities, or you might experience partial fills.
Wider Spreads: The difference between the bid and ask price can be substantial, meaning you might buy at a higher price or sell at a lower price than you'd like.
Limited Information: Not all news is released during regular market hours, but even if it is, the market reaction might be delayed or exaggerated due to fewer participants.
No Order Protection Rule (OPR): During extended hours, the OPR (also known as the "trade-through rule") typically does not apply. This means your trade isn't guaranteed to be executed at the best available price across all exchanges, potentially leading to less favorable execution.
Competition from Professional Traders: Many institutional investors and professional traders actively participate in extended hours, which can create a challenging environment for less experienced retail traders.
Congratulations! You're now equipped to see and engage with after-hours trading on Webull. Remember to always exercise caution and understand the increased risks associated with trading outside of regular market hours.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to see pre-market on Webull?
To see pre-market on Webull, navigate to the stock's chart, tap the "Chart Toolbox" (mobile) or "Ext." button (desktop), and enable "Including Extended Hours" in the settings. This will display price action from 4:00 AM ET onwards.
How to enable extended hours on Webull?
To enable extended hours for trading on Webull, when placing a limit order, look for the "Trading Hours" dropdown in the order ticket and select "Include Extended Hours." This applies to both pre-market and after-hours sessions.
How to trade after hours on Webull?
To trade after hours on Webull, first select the stock, then open the order ticket, choose "Limit Order" as the order type, and under "Trading Hours," select "Include Extended Hours" before entering your price and quantity and confirming the trade.
How to set limit orders for after-hours trading on Webull?
When placing any order during extended hours on Webull, the system will typically default to or require a limit order. Simply input your desired price at which you want your trade to execute within the order ticket.
How to view extended hours chart data on Webull?
To view extended hours chart data on Webull, go to the stock's detailed page, access the chart settings (via the "Chart Toolbox" icon on mobile or "Ext." button on desktop), and toggle on the option to include extended hours.
How to understand after-hours trading risks on Webull?
Understanding after-hours trading risks on Webull involves recognizing that there is lower liquidity, wider bid-ask spreads, and increased price volatility compared to regular market hours. This can lead to orders not being filled or being filled at less favorable prices.
How to know Webull's after-hours trading times?
Webull's after-hours trading typically runs from 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET. Pre-market is from 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET, and they also offer overnight trading from 8:00 PM ET to 4:00 AM ET for select assets.
How to disable extended hours on Webull charts?
To disable extended hours on Webull charts, go to the stock's chart, access the chart settings (the "Chart Toolbox" on mobile or "Ext." button on desktop), and toggle off the "Including Extended Hours" option.
How to find stocks trading after hours on Webull?
You can find stocks trading after hours on Webull by simply searching for any stock in the app or desktop platform. All eligible stocks will display their extended hours price action on the chart if the "Include Extended Hours" setting is enabled.
How to check if my after-hours order was filled on Webull?
To check if your after-hours order was filled on Webull, go to your "Orders" tab or "Positions" section. You can also review your "Trade History" to see completed transactions.
