Options Trading Hours Guide Singapore

TL;DR: US options trade during standard hours from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), which translates to 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM Singapore Time (SGT - Standard Time). While most activity occurs during these hours, Longbridge now provides access to pre-market options trading, offering additional trading windows for investors.

Understanding options trading hours is essential for Singapore investors looking to participate in US markets. Whether you want to react to overnight news, respond to earnings announcements, or simply trade at a time that suits your schedule, knowing exactly when the options market opens and closes can make a meaningful difference in your trading approach.

This guide breaks down standard trading hours, pre-market sessions, after-hours windows, and expiration day rules. We will also explain the factors that influence market timing and how you can access early trading opportunities through Longbridge, which offers access to pre-market US options trading.

Trading Hours for Different Types of Options

US options markets follow a structured schedule that varies depending on the asset class and the trading platform used. While the standard session aligns with regular stock market hours, Longbridge now offer pre-market capabilities for eligible options.

Standard Trading Hours for Options

The core trading window for most US options runs from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday. This aligns with regular US stock market hours and provides a 6.5-hour window for executing trades. For Singapore-based traders, this corresponds to 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM SGT (during Winter Time), or 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM SGT (during Summer Time), meaning most standard options trading occurs overnight from a local perspective.

However, investors seeking early access can utilize pre-market US Options sessions provided by Longbridge. This allows for trading on select equity and ETF options starting from 4:00 AM ET (5:00 PM SGT - Standard Time), providing an opportunity to respond to market-moving news before the official open.

Extended Hours for Index and ETF Options

Certain index and ETF options enjoy extended trading hours beyond the standard close. Options on major ETFs like SPY, QQQ, IWM, and DIA trade until 4:15 PM ET (5:15 AM SGT - Standard Time). Index options on products such as SPX (Standard and Poor's 500 Index), VIX (Cboe Volatility Index), and XSP (Mini-SPX) can trade even later, with some sessions extending to 5:00 PM ET.

Additionally, overnight trading is available for select index options. SPX, SPXW, and XSP options trade during global hours from 8:15 PM to 9:25 AM ET, allowing traders to respond to international market movements before the US market opens.

Non-Regular Trading Sessions

Beyond standard hours, options traders can access the market during pre-market and after-hours sessions. These windows provide flexibility but come with specific considerations.

Pre-Market Trading Session

Pre-market trading allows you to execute options trades before the regular market opens. For Singapore investors, this provides an additional trading window—you can trade during your afternoon or evening hours rather than staying up through the night.

Longbridge enables pre-market US options trading starting at 17:00 SGT - Standard Time (4:00 AM ET). This extended window runs from 17:00 to 22:30 SGT, providing an additional 5.5 hours of trading access before standard market hours begin.

The pre-market session is particularly useful when significant news breaks overnight or when you want to position yourself ahead of anticipated market movements. Major US stocks and ETFs are available for pre-market options trading on the Longbridge platform.

After-Hours Trading Sessions

While after-hours trading for stocks typically runs until 8:00 PM ET (9:00 AM SGT), options trading generally ends at 4:00 PM ET, with only select ETFs trading until 4:15 PM ET. However, options after-hours trading is more limited than stock after-hours trading. Most standard equity options do not trade after hours, though certain ETF and index options with extended hours continue until 4:15 PM or later.

During after-hours sessions, traders should expect reduced liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads compared to regular hours. These conditions can affect execution quality and pricing.

Modified Schedule for Expiration Days

Expiration days follow modified trading rules that every options trader should understand:

Opening new positions: You can open same-day expiring contracts until 3:00 PM ET

Closing stock and ETF options: Must close by 4:00 PM ET on expiration day

Closing index options: Can close until 4:00 PM ET on expiration day

Exercise deadline: Options must typically be exercised by 5:30 PM ET

Brokers may attempt to close at-risk positions starting at 3:30 PM ET for stock and ETF options or 3:45 PM ET for options with later closing times.

Advantages of Trading During Extended Hours

Benefits of Pre-Market Trading

Trading during pre-market hours offers several practical advantages for Singapore-based investors:

Convenient timing: Pre-market sessions occur during Singapore afternoon and evening hours, allowing you to trade when you are awake rather than during the night.

Early reaction to news: Corporate earnings and economic data releases often occur outside regular hours. Pre-market access lets you respond before the broader market opens.

Position management: If you hold overnight positions, pre-market trading allows you to adjust or exit before regular hours if circumstances change.

Longbridge is now offering pre-market US Options trading to Singapore investors.

Benefits of After-Hours Trading

After-hours trading provides complementary advantages:

React to late-breaking news: Earnings reports and major announcements often come after the market closes. After-hours access lets you respond promptly.

Flexibility for busy schedules: If you cannot monitor the market during standard hours, after-hours sessions provide an alternative window.

Overnight positioning: You can establish or adjust positions based on after-hours developments before the next trading day.

Extended hours trading also comes with considerations. Liquidity is typically lower outside regular sessions, which can result in wider bid-ask spreads and less favourable execution prices. Traders should be aware of these conditions when planning their approach.

Tip: When trading during extended hours, limit orders are commonly used to gives you control over execution price and protects against wider spreads that are common outside regular sessions.

Factors Influencing Options Market Timings

Several external factors affect when and how you can trade options. Understanding these variables helps you plan your trading activities effectively.

Time Zones

For Singapore investors, the time difference with US markets creates a scheduling challenge. Standard US options hours of 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET correspond to 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM SGT (or 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM SGT during US standard time - Winter). Pre-market trading through Longbridge starting at 5:00 PM SGT - Winter offers a more convenient alternative.

Market Holidays

US options markets observe federal holidays when they close entirely. Key closures include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Markets also close early on certain days:

Day before Independence Day (if falls on weekday): 1:00 PM ET close (1:15 PM for eligible options)

Day after Thanksgiving: 1:00 PM ET close (1:15 PM for eligible options)

Christmas Eve: 1:00 PM ET close (1:15 PM for eligible options)

Daylight Saving Time

The US observes daylight saving time (DST) from March to November. During DST, US markets operate one hour earlier from a Singapore perspective. Trading hours are 9:30 PM – 4:00 AM SGT during DST, compared to 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM SGT during Standard Time. Keeping track of these changes helps you avoid missed trading opportunities or unexpected market closures.

Why Is It Important to Know Options Trading Hours?

Understanding options trading hours provides tangible benefits for your trading approach:

Execute trades at suitable times: Market activity and liquidity vary throughout the trading day. The first and last hours of standard trading typically see the highest volume, while midday often experiences slower activity. Knowing these patterns helps you time your entries and exits.

Manage expiration risk: Expiration days have strict deadlines for opening and closing positions. Missing these cutoffs can result in unintended assignment or the inability to exit a position.

React to market-moving events: Economic reports, corporate earnings, and central bank announcements often occur before or after regular hours. Access to pre-market or after-hours trading lets you respond when it matters.

Plan around your schedule: If standard US market hours conflict with your work or personal commitments, pre-market trading provides an alternative window during more convenient Singapore hours.

Avoid unexpected closures: Holiday schedules and early closes can catch unprepared traders off guard. Knowing the calendar in advance helps you plan positions accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the US options market open in Singapore time?

During US Daylight Saving Time (March to November), US options trading typically runs from 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM SGT. During Standard Time (November to March), these hours shift to 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM SGT.

Can I trade options before the US market opens?

Yes, pre-market options trading is available on Longbridge. Longbridge is offering pre-market options trading starting at 17:00 SGT - Winter (4:00 AM ET) for major US stocks and ETFs, providing an extended window before standard hours begin.

What happens to options on expiration day?

On expiration day, you can open new same-day expiring contracts until 3:00 PM ET and close stock and ETF options until 3:30 PM ET. Index options can be closed until 4:00 PM ET. Options must typically be exercised by 5:30 PM ET.

Do all options have the same trading hours?

No. While most equity and ETF options trade from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET, certain index and ETF options have extended hours until 4:15 PM ET or later. Some index options like SPX, VIX, and XSP also offer overnight trading sessions.

Are there days when options markets close early?

Yes. Markets close early at 1:00 PM ET (1:15 PM for eligible options) on the day before Independence Day (if a weekday), the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Full closures occur on federal holidays.

The choice of which tool to utilize depends on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, market outlook, and experience level. Regardless of the method selected, it is essential to fully understand its mechanics, risk characteristics, and execution rules, while maintaining a robust risk management plan. You can learn more about investment strategies through the Longbridge Academy or by downloading the Longbridge App