## When Do Stocks Start Trading in PST?
The exact time that stocks start trading in Pacific Standard Time (PST) varies depending on the day of the week and the type of stock. However, in general, stocks start trading at the following times:
* **Regular Trading Hours:**
* Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM PST
* **Extended Trading Hours:**
* Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST
**Note:** The extended trading hours are only available for certain types of stocks, such as large-cap stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
## What Are the Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading Sessions?
In addition to the regular trading hours, there are also pre-market and after-hours trading sessions. These sessions allow traders to buy and sell stocks outside of the regular trading hours.
* **Pre-Market Trading Session:**
* Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
* **After-Hours Trading Session:**
* Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST
**Note:** The pre-market and after-hours trading sessions are not as active as the regular trading hours, and there may be less liquidity available.
## When Do Stocks Stop Trading in PST?
Stocks stop trading in PST at the following times:
* **Regular Trading Hours:**
* Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM PST
* **Extended Trading Hours:**
* Monday – Friday: 8:00 PM PST
## What Happens After Stocks Stop Trading?
After stocks stop trading, the market enters a post-trading session. During this session, orders are still being processed and executed, but there is no new trading activity. The post-trading session ends at midnight PST.
## Why Do Stocks Trade at Different Times?
Stocks trade at different times for a variety of reasons, including:
* **Time Zones:** The United States has multiple time zones, so the stock market needs to be open at different times to accommodate traders in all time zones.
* **Market Size:** The United States is a large country with a large stock market. This means that there is a lot of trading activity, and it can take time to process all of the orders.
* **Market Volatility:** The stock market can be volatile, and prices can change quickly. This means that traders need to be able to access the market at all times to make sure that they can get the best possible price for their trades.
## Conclusion
The stock market is a complex and ever-evolving system. The times that stocks start and stop trading are just one small part of this system. By understanding how the stock market works, you can be a more informed investor.