# Night Trading 101: Trading While the Market Sleeps

Ever wondered if you can make moves after the closing bell? You can—through overnight trading, where folks buy and sell outside regular market hours using electronic networks (ECNs).

**How it works:** Instead of hitting traditional exchanges during 9:30 AM-4 PM EST, traders tap into after-hours and pre-market sessions where fewer players participate. Lower volume = wider bid-ask spreads and bigger price swings, but also real opportunities if you're watching global news.

**What can you trade?** Pretty much anything—stocks (esp. after earnings), ETFs, futures (S&P 500 contracts pop off here), forex (active 24/7 across time zones), commodities like gold/oil reacting to geopolitical moves.

**Who can do it?** Both retail and institutional investors, but not all brokers offer the same hours or assets. Some require higher account minimums or trading experience.

**Pro tips:**
- Use limit orders to lock in your max buy/min sell price—protects you from sudden gaps
- Track global economic calendars and news feeds (earnings, rate decisions from other countries)
- Understand your broker's fees for after-hours access
- Higher volatility + lower liquidity = higher risk for newbies

**Bottom line:** Overnight trading lets you react to 24/7 market movements, but it's not for hands-off investors. Do your homework before stepping into the after-hours arena.