After-Hours Trading in Singapore: What It Is and How to Trade After the Market Closes

If you're keen to explore investing outside traditional Singapore Exchange (SGX) hours, good news — you can. While SGX doesn’t currently offer after-hours trading, Singaporean investors can still trade global stocks before the market opens or after it closes, thanks to international brokerages.

What is after-hours trading?

After-hours trading is exactly what it sounds like — buying or selling stocks outside regular stock market hours. For SGX, that’s anything beyond 9:00am to 5:00pm Singapore time.

But when it comes to the U.S. stock market, there are two extended sessions:

• Pre-market trading: from 4:00am to 9:30am (U.S. Eastern Time)

• After-market trading: from 4:00pm to 8:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)

Translated to local time, that’s roughly 5:00pm to noon the next day in Singapore.

These sessions let investors react to earnings reports, economic data releases, or global events that occur outside normal hours.

Not every brokerage supports it, so you’ll want to check if platforms like Tiger Brokers, moomoo SG, or Interactive Brokers offer this feature before signing up.

» Here are the best brokerage accounts to start your investment journey in Singapore

How does after-hours trading work?

Since major stock exchanges are closed, after-hours trading takes place electronically via Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs). These systems match buy and sell orders automatically.

Here’s how it works: Let’s say you want to buy 100 shares of Microsoft at US$280. If there’s someone else on the ECN willing to sell at that price, your trade goes through. If not, your order either stays pending or expires.

After-hours trading also comes with different rules, depending on your broker. Most platforms only allow limit orders, which means your trade is executed only at your set price — or better. No market orders here.

» How to buy and trade stocks in Singapore for beginners

After-hours trading: The pros, cons, & risks

The pros

The biggest draw? Flexibility. Whether you’re working a 9-to-6 job or want to act on overseas news, after-hours trading lets you invest at your own time.

It also allows you to:

• React quickly to earnings reports or market-moving news

• Potentially buy in early before regular session prices adjust

The cons

After-hours trading may sound appealing, but it's not all upside:

• It’s not available for SGX stocks — only for markets like the U.S.

• Not all stocks are tradable during extended sessions

• Only limit orders are accepted, which means there’s less certainty that your trades will go through.

The risks

Trading after hours may not be for everyone. Here’s why:

• Low liquidity: Fewer buyers and sellers mean your trades may not go through easily

• Wide bid-ask spreads: Prices can be less favourable due to thinner trading activity

• Volatility: Prices can swing more wildly than during normal sessions

• Execution uncertainty: Even if your limit price is matched, the order might not fill

• Price gaps: Stocks may open at very different prices the next day

» Learn more : Best US stocks investment brokerage accounts in Singapore

Is after-hours trading right for you?

If you’re a seasoned investor who understands limit orders and is okay with more risk, after-hours trading can offer greater flexibility — especially if you’re tracking U.S. stocks.

But if you’re just starting out, it’s probably smarter to stick to regular trading hours, where there’s more liquidity, less volatility, and more straightforward price action.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: Only invest what you’re prepared to lose, and always make sure you know what kind of market you’re stepping into. It’s better to miss a trade than make a risky one you don’t understand.

More about investing in Singapore:

• Investing strategies to navigate Singapore's stock market

• Best investment apps for beginners

• Best ways to invest money in 2025