NYSE Pre-Market Trading Hours
Pre-market trading allows investors to trade shares before the regular market session. The NYSE pre-market session runs from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM Eastern Time.
Why Trade During Pre-Market Hours?
- React to Overnight News: Trade on earnings reports and news released outside regular hours
- International Events: Respond to global market movements and economic data
- Early Positioning: Establish positions before the regular session begins
- Volatility Opportunities: Take advantage of larger price movements with lower volume
Pre-Market Trading Considerations
- Limited Liquidity: Fewer participants mean wider bid-ask spreads
- Price Volatility: Prices can move dramatically on low volume
- Limited Order Types: Usually only limit orders are accepted
- Broker Restrictions: Not all brokers offer pre-market trading access
Pre-Market vs Regular Hours
Session |
Hours (ET) |
Volume |
Volatility |
Pre-Market |
4:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
Low |
High |
Regular |
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
High |
Normal |
After-Hours |
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Low |
High |
Popular Pre-Market Movers
Stocks that often see significant pre-market activity include:
- Companies reporting earnings before market open
- Stocks reacting to overnight international news
- FDA approval announcements for pharmaceutical companies
- Major index ETFs like SPY, QQQ, and DIA