Module 2 — Market structure & timing
Pre-market, regular hours and after-hours
6 minute read
In plain English
US equities trade in three sessions: pre-market, regular hours (9:30am–4:00pm Eastern), and after-hours.
Why it matters
Conditions differ enormously between sessions. Beginners often trade extended hours without realising the risks.
Example
A stock jumping 20% pre-market on 40,000 shares can open flat once real liquidity arrives at 9:30.
Try this
Watch one ticker from 9:25 to 9:40 Eastern and note how the spread changes.
Common mistake
Reading a pre-market percentage move as if it were a full-session move.
What this does not mean
Extended-hours prices are not a prediction of the regular-session open.
Educational content only. Not financial advice.