Pre-market trading refers to trading that occurs before the regular market session. The pre-market trading session takes place every day between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. EST. Investors and traders monitor pre-market trading activity to gauge the market's strength and direction ahead of the main trading session. There are only a limited number of orders that can be executed via an "electronic market," such as an alternative trading system (ATS) or an electronic communication network (ECN). Market makers cannot execute orders until 9:30 a.m. EST.

Pre-market trading refers to the buying and selling of securities on major exchanges before the official market opening time, which is typically 9:30 AM Eastern Time (ET) in the United States. This trading period usually occurs between 4:00 AM and 9:30 AM ET. It allows investors to react to news and events that occur outside of regular trading hours, such as earnings reports or geopolitical developments. Pre-market trading can offer opportunities for investors to capitalize on market-moving information, but it also involves higher risks due to lower liquidity and higher volatility. Prices during this time may differ significantly from those during regular trading hours, making it essential for traders to proceed with caution.