Trading happens in set windows called regular trading hours. Some markets also allow pre-market (before the open) and after-hours (post-close) trading. In these extended sessions there are usually fewer buyers and sellers, so prices can move more, bid–ask spreads can be wider, and orders may not fill as easily. Limit orders often give you better control than market orders in these periods.
Below are the standard hours for major markets in Malta time (Europe/Malta). Hours can shift with daylight-saving changes and on exchange holidays, so always check the order ticket on the day.
Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) - Pre-trading 09:00 - 09:30, Continuous trading 09:30 - 15:30, and Post-trading 15:30 - 16:00.
London Stock Exchange - 09:00 - 17:30
Xetra (Frankfurt) - 09:00 - 17:30 (CET; aligns with Malta time in winter; confirm on the day). Extended Retail Service may run earlier/later.
Euronext (Amsterdam/Paris/Brussels/Lisbon) - typically 09:00 - 17:30 CET (aligns with Malta time in winter; confirm on the day)
NYSE / Nasdaq - Regular 15:30 - 22:00. Common extended hours: pre-market 10:00 - 15:30, after-hours 22:00 - 02:00. (Exact windows vary by venue/broker)
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) - 02:30 - 05:00 and 06:00 - 09:00 (two sessions)
Tokyo Stock Exchange - 01:00 - 03:30 and 04:30 - 07:00 (two sessions)
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) - 15:30 - 22:00
Good to know: Not every instrument trades in extended hours, and some order types may be restricted. News released outside regular hours can cause sharp price moves when the next session begins. If you’re placing an order outside the main session, consider using a limit order so you set the maximum buy price or minimum sell price you’re comfortable with.
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