Can i buy shares in gap up and gap down period?

Question

Is it possible to purchase shares before trading hours

Answer 1

Sure, but why would you?

If you can find a market maker that wants to trade in the after and before markets you can purchase shares, but it is thinly traded and you probably will get hurt by professionals looking to trade with ameaturs.

Trade when the market is open, you get your best fills and you can see in which direction your stock is moving.

Answer 2

You may be able to buy during pre-market trading hours.  Place a limit buy order and if a seller has a corresponding sell order you will get it.  Pre-market and after-hours orders are automatically cancelled at the close of extended trading.

The gap up or gap down refers to the change from previous days close to the open.  That may be quite different than what takes place during premarket trading.  At 9:15 EST, when premarket ends, those orders are no longer the focus.  Many orders were placed overnight waiting on the open.  Those orders become the focal point at 9:15 EST.  Also many traders are sitting in front of their computers watching to see what the quotes are just prior to open.  Those two events will influence the open more than extended trading.