Need to Know TD Ameritrade’s Hours of Operation? Here’s Your Complete Guide to Trading Times
When it comes to trading stocks, it’s essential to know the hours of operation for your brokerage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at td ameritrade hours of operation and what you need to know before you start trading.
Trading Hours for td ameritrade
td ameritrade’s regular trading hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. However, there are extended hours available for those who want to trade before or after the regular market hours.
Pre-Market Hours
Pre-market hours for td ameritrade are from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM Eastern Time. During these hours, you can trade select securities, including stocks and ETFs. However, keep in mind that volume is typically lower during pre-market hours, which can lead to wider spreads and less liquidity.
After-Market Hours
After-market hours for td ameritrade are from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. During these hours, you can trade select securities, including stocks and ETFs. Like pre-market hours, after-market hours can also have lower volume and less liquidity, which can impact your trading strategy.
Understanding Market Holidays
It’s also important to understand that td ameritrade observes market holidays, which means that the market is closed, and you cannot trade during those times. Here are the major market holidays that td ameritrade observes:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Partial Trading Days
In addition to market holidays, there are also partial trading days, where the market closes early. Here are the partial trading days that td ameritrade observes:
- The day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
Benefits of Extended Trading Hours
While regular trading hours offer plenty of opportunities for traders, extended hours can provide even more chances to make trades. Here are some benefits of trading during extended hours:
- Access to global markets: Extended hours allow you to trade when other markets are open, giving you access to a wider range of securities.
- Ability to react to news: Breaking news can happen at any time, and extended hours allow you to react to that news as soon as it’s announced, rather than waiting until the next day.
- More flexibility: Extended hours give you more flexibility to trade when it’s convenient for you, rather than being limited to regular market hours.
Risks of Extended Trading Hours
While there are benefits to trading during extended hours, there are also risks. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Lower volume: Extended hours typically have lower volume, which can lead to wider spreads and less liquidity.
- Volatility: Extended hours can be more volatile than regular market hours, which can increase the risk of significant price movements.
- Less transparency: Extended hours can be less transparent than regular market hours, which can make it harder to make informed trading decisions.
Tips for Trading During Extended Hours
If you do choose to trade during extended hours, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Stick to securities you know: When volume is lower, it’s essential to stick to securities you know well. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid making mistakes.
- Use limit orders: During extended hours, it’s a good idea to use limit orders instead of market orders. This can help you avoid getting stuck with a price that’s different from what you expected.
- Be patient: Extended hours can be more volatile than regular market hours, so it’s important to be patient and not rush into trades.
FAQs
What are td ameritrade hours of operation?
td ameritrade’s regular trading hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Pre-market hours are from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM Eastern Time, and after-market hours are from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Is td ameritrade open on weekends?
No, td ameritrade is not open on weekends. However, you can still access your account, research securities, and place orders for the next trading day.
What holidays is td ameritrade closed?
td ameritrade observes major market holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The market is also closed on the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Can you trade stocks after hours with td ameritrade?
Yes, you can trade select securities, including stocks and ETFs, during after-market hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Is it safe to trade during extended hours?
Extended hours trading carries additional risks, including lower volume, increased volatility, and less transparency. However, if you follow the tips we’ve outlined, you can mitigate some of those risks and make informed trading decisions.
What is the difference between regular hours and extended hours?
Regular hours are the standard trading hours for the stock market, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Extended hours are the hours before and after regular hours, including pre-market hours from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM Eastern Time and after-market hours from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Can you trade options during extended hours?
No, options trading is not available during extended hours. However, you can trade select securities, including stocks and ETFs.
Can you cancel a trade during extended hours?
Yes, you can cancel a trade during extended hours as long as the order has not been executed. However, keep in mind that extended hours can be more volatile than regular market hours, so it’s important to be patient and not rush into cancelling an order.
What is the minimum deposit for td ameritrade?
The minimum deposit for td ameritrade is $0 for a standard account. However, if you want to open a margin account, you’ll need to deposit at least $2,000.
Can you day trade with td ameritrade?
Yes, you can day trade with td ameritrade. However, keep in mind that day trading carries additional risks and requires a significant amount of knowledge and experience.
Conclusion
Understanding td ameritrade hours of operation is essential for anyone who wants to trade stocks or other securities. By knowing the regular and extended hours, as well as market holidays and the risks and benefits of extended hours trading, you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Remember to stick to securities you know, use limit orders, and be patient during extended hours to mitigate some of the additional risks.