Ready to unlock the full potential of your trading on Webull? Trading outside of regular market hours can open up a world of opportunities, allowing you to react to breaking news, earnings reports, and global events without having to wait for the traditional 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET window. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, understanding how to enable extended hours is a crucial step in maximizing your trading flexibility.
Let's dive right in and get you set up for extended hours trading on Webull!
Understanding Extended Trading Hours on Webull
Before we get into the "how-to," it's important to understand what "extended hours" actually means on Webull.
Pre-Market Session: This typically runs from 4:00 AM ET to 9:30 AM ET. During this period, you can place trades before the official market opening.
After-Hours Session: This usually runs from 4:00 PM ET to 8:00 PM ET. This allows you to trade after the market closes for the day.
Overnight Trading (24/5): Webull also offers "Overnight Trading" for select securities, providing 24/5 access from 8:00 PM ET Sunday through 4:00 AM ET Friday. This is a more recent expansion and offers even greater flexibility.
Important Note: While extended hours offer convenience, they also come with increased risks such as lower liquidity, higher volatility, and wider bid-ask spreads. It's crucial to be aware of these factors before trading.
Step 1: Accessing the Trade Screen (Your Gateway to Extended Hours)
First things first, you need to navigate to where you place your trades. This process is fairly consistent across the Webull mobile app and desktop platform.
For the Webull Mobile App:
Open the Webull App: Launch the Webull application on your smartphone or tablet.
Select Your Stock: On the main screen, tap on the stock symbol you wish to trade. You can do this by searching for it or selecting it from your watchlist.
Initiate a Trade: Once you're on the stock's detail page, look for the "Trade" button, usually prominent at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap this button.
For the Webull Desktop Platform:
Launch Webull Desktop: Open the Webull desktop application on your computer.
Locate Your Stock: You can either search for the stock symbol in the search bar or select it from your watchlist on the left-hand side.
Access the Trade Widget: Once you have the stock's chart and information displayed, you'll see a "Trade" widget (or order entry panel) usually on the right side of the screen.
Step 2: Finding the "Trading Hours" Option
Now that you're on the trade screen, the next step is to find the specific setting that allows you to enable extended hours.
For the Webull Mobile App:
Look for "Trading Hours": Within the order entry screen, you'll see various options like "Limit," "Market," "Shares," "Price," etc. Look for a dropdown menu or setting labeled "Trading Hours." It's often located near the "Time-in-Force" or "Order Type" options.
Tap the "Trading Hours" dropdown.
For the Webull Desktop Platform:
Locate "Trading Hours": In the "Trade" widget, find the dropdown menu labeled "Trading Hours." This is usually quite visible among the other order parameters.
Click the "Trading Hours" dropdown.
Step 3: Enabling "Include Extended Hours"
This is the core step where you activate extended hours trading for your order.
On Both Mobile and Desktop:
Select "Include Extended Hours": From the dropdown menu that appears after tapping/clicking "Trading Hours," you will see options like "Regular Hours" and "Include Extended Hours" (or sometimes "EXT").
Choose "Include Extended Hours".
You'll know it's selected when it appears in the "Trading Hours" field.
Step 4: Placing Your Order (Limit Orders Only!)
With extended hours now enabled for your order, you can proceed to set your trade parameters.
Crucial Point: Only Limit Orders are Accepted
During extended hours, Webull (and most brokers) only allow limit orders. This is a critical point to remember!
Why Limit Orders? Due to the lower liquidity and higher volatility in extended sessions, market orders could execute at a significantly different (and unfavorable) price than what you see on your screen. A limit order ensures your trade is executed only at your specified price or better.
Setting up your Limit Order:
Select "Limit" Order Type: Ensure your order type is set to "Limit."
Specify Price: Enter the exact price at which you want your order to be executed.
Enter Quantity: Input the number of shares you wish to buy or sell.
Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the details of your order: stock symbol, buy/sell, quantity, limit price, and most importantly, that "Include Extended Hours" is selected.
Place Order: Once you're satisfied, click/tap the "Buy" or "Sell" button to submit your order.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Extended Hours Order
Once your order is placed, you can track its status just like any other order on Webull.
Order Management:
Order Book: Your extended hours order will appear in your "Orders" section. You can see if it's pending, partially filled, or filled.
Modifying/Canceling: You have the ability to modify or cancel your limit order if it hasn't been fully executed. Keep in mind that market conditions can change rapidly during extended hours, so be prepared to adjust if necessary.
Important Considerations and Best Practices for Extended Hours Trading
Liquidity: Extended hours generally have lower trading volume and liquidity compared to regular market hours. This can lead to wider bid-ask spreads, making it harder to get your desired price.
Volatility: Prices can be more volatile during extended sessions due to fewer participants and concentrated news events. Be prepared for potentially rapid price swings.
News Announcements: Many companies release earnings reports or other significant news outside of regular trading hours. This can cause sharp price movements, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Order Protection: The "Order Protection Rule" (Rule 611 of Regulation NMS) does not apply to extended hours trading. This means your order may not receive the same level of price protection as it would during regular hours.
Supported Securities: While Webull supports extended hours for most US stocks and ETFs, certain securities like options, OTC stocks, and fractional shares may have limitations or not be available for extended trading.
Overnight Trading Specifics: If you're utilizing Webull's 24/5 Overnight Trading, be aware that only whole shares of select stocks and ETFs are eligible, and it often involves a single market maker, which can impact execution.
By following these steps and keeping the considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to confidently trading during Webull's extended hours. Happy trading!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check if a Stock is Eligible for Extended Hours Trading on Webull?
While most US stocks and ETFs are eligible, you can usually verify by attempting to place a limit order for the stock and checking if the "Include Extended Hours" option is available in the "Trading Hours" dropdown. Webull's disclosures also list limitations.
How to See Extended Hours Price Data on Webull Charts?
On the Webull mobile app, select a stock, go to its chart, tap the "Chart Toolbox" (clover icon), then "Settings" and toggle "Including Extended Hours." On the desktop, look for an "Ext." button at the bottom right of the chart to toggle extended hours data.
How to Cancel an Extended Hours Order on Webull?
Navigate to your "Orders" tab within the Webull app or desktop platform. Locate the pending extended hours order and select the option to "Cancel" or "Modify" it.
How to Modify a Limit Price for an Extended Hours Order?
Go to your "Orders" tab, find the active extended hours limit order, and choose "Modify." You'll be able to adjust the limit price and then resubmit the order.
How to Place an Overnight Trade on Webull?
Overnight trades on Webull are placed similarly to regular extended hours trades, but they are specifically for select securities that are part of Webull's 24/5 offering. When you select one of these eligible stocks or ETFs, the "Include Extended Hours" option will cover the overnight period.
How to Understand the Risks of Extended Hours Trading on Webull?
Webull provides an "Extended Hours Trading Disclosure" that outlines risks such as lower liquidity, higher volatility, wider bid-ask spreads, and the absence of the Order Protection Rule. It's highly recommended to read this disclosure within the app or on their website.
How to Know the Exact Extended Trading Hours on Webull?
Pre-market is 4:00 AM - 9:30 AM ET, and after-hours is 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET. Webull's 24/5 Overnight Trading typically runs from 8:00 PM ET Sunday to 4:00 AM ET Friday for specific securities. Always refer to Webull's official FAQ for the most up-to-date times.
How to Avoid Day Trading Violations when Trading Extended Hours?
Day trading rules (Pattern Day Trader, or PDT, rule for accounts under $25,000) apply across the entire trading day, including extended hours. If you buy and sell the same security within the same trading day (4 AM ET to 8 PM ET), it counts as a day trade. Be mindful of your trade count.
How to Find Securities Available for Webull's 24/5 Overnight Trading?
Webull typically designates these securities within their platform or on their website's "Overnight Trading" section. They are generally larger, more liquid stocks and ETFs.
How to Contact Webull Support for Extended Hours Trading Issues?
If you encounter issues, you can contact Webull's customer support through the app's "Menu" > "Help Center" > "Contact Us" or by visiting their official website for chat, email, or phone support options.