Out-of-hours trading

Trade 200+ US shares out-of-hours

React to earnings and news before the US market opens.

Trade over 200 US shares out-of-hours via CFDs, including big names like Apple, Facebook and Amazon, so you can react to breaking news and earnings before the regular session begins.

Hedge your positions at the weekend

Use weekend markets to manage risk when underlying markets are closed.

Trade indices and forex over the weekend to hedge your weekday positions or react to breaking news, even when the underlying exchanges are shut.

Trade carefully in lower liquidity

Out-of-hours prices can move more sharply than during regular hours.

Liquidity is typically lower outside regular hours, which can widen spreads and increase volatility. Guaranteed stops close your trade at the exact level you specify, for a small premium if triggered.

What is out-of-hours trading?

Out-of-hours trading gives you the chance to trade before and after the main session. There are two types of these trading options with IG: extended hours and 24/5 trading. While most UK traders can only trade the US stock market from 2.30pm to 9pm (UK time), extended hours and 24/5 gives you more options: Extended Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am – 1am and Friday 9am to 10pm. 24/5 trading: Monday 1am – Friday 10pm All stocks available on extended hours will be labelled “Extended Hours” and 24/5 stocks will be labelled “24 Hours”.

What are the risks of after-hours trading?

Stock prices can see significant volatility as traders and investors react to company earnings announcements. The amount of movement largely depends on whether or not the results are in line with analysts’ estimates. As most US companies release their earnings outside of the main session, the majority of trading takes place in the pre- and post-market sessions. This makes out-of-hours trading vital for taking advantage of earnings volatility. Lower liquidity: Fewer active participants to fill the other side of trades out of hours. Higher volatility: lower liquidity can result in more dramatic swings in prices, which can be good or bad – depending on your individual risk appetite Wider spreads: the difference between the buy and sell price, known as the spread, can widen when volatility rises or liquidity fall You can manage your risk using stops and limits, which automatically close your trade when the price hits a pre-determined level. Guaranteed stops are the best way to cap risk, because these always close your trade at the exact level you specify – even if the market moves quickly or ‘gaps’. A small premium is payable if a guaranteed stop is triggered.

How much does out-of-hours trading cost?

When you trade out of hours with us, our spread and commission are the same as those you’d get during regular market hours. However, underlying market spreads can widen due to reduced liquidity. So, you might find you pay more to open or close a trade.