TD Ameritrade Broadens 24/5 Trading Access: Now Offering 24 ETFs for Round-the-Clock Market Exposure

In today’s always-connected financial landscape, TD Ameritrade has unveiled a significant expansion of its overnight trading capabilities. The brokerage firm now makes 24 exchange-traded funds available through its innovative 24/5 trading program, doubling the securities available since the initiative’s debut just one year ago. This move reflects the firm’s commitment to serving a globally distributed investor base seeking flexibility beyond traditional market hours.

Why 24-Hour Trading Matters in Modern Markets

The demand for extended trading sessions stems from fundamental shifts in how investors engage with markets. Research conducted by TD Ameritrade revealed that approximately 70 percent of clients accessing the platform’s research and education tools did so outside regular trading hours. For Asia-based investors with positions in U.S. securities, the timing challenge is particularly acute—trading during New York hours often conflicts with their local business cycles.

Steve Quirk, executive vice president of trading and education at TD Ameritrade, emphasized this shift: “Headlines and market-moving events now operate on a 24-hour news cycle. The U.S.-China trade tensions exemplified how overnight developments impact investor sentiment. By expanding our overnight trading infrastructure, we’re enabling clients to respond to global market dynamics in real time.”

Understanding EXTO: Extended Hours Trading Orders Explained

At the core of this expansion lies EXTO (Extended Hours Overnight trading), a mechanism designed specifically for after-hours market access. EXTO orders represent continuous 24-hour orders that reset daily at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. For instance, an EXTO order placed at 2 a.m. ET on Monday activates immediately and remains active until 8 p.m. ET that same evening. Should an order be placed at 9 p.m. ET Monday, it extends through the following day until 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.

A crucial safety feature: all 24/5 trades must be executed as limit orders, meaning investors specify exactly the price at which they’re willing to buy or sell. This requirement protects traders from unexpected volatility during lower-liquidity overnight sessions.

The Expanded Product Universe

The latest addition brings the total offerings to 24 ETFs—primarily widely-held, U.S.-listed products. This expansion nearly doubles the original lineup that launched in January 2018. Clients accessing these securities have demonstrated notably higher engagement metrics and asset levels compared to the broader client base, validating the demand for such services.

How to Access Overnight Trading

Eligible clients can participate through two platforms: the thinkorswim trading platform or TD Ameritrade’s Mobile Trader app. Users simply select EXTO from the order dropdown menu; securities available for overnight trading are clearly marked as “EXTO Eligible” within both platforms. Account activation requires confirming that advanced features are enabled through the client services section on td ameritrade.com.

Important Risk Considerations

Extended hours trading operates under distinct rules and carries specific risks worth noting. Lower liquidity during overnight sessions can result in wider bid-ask spreads, while higher volatility may produce sharper price swings. Additionally, overnight trading is unavailable on market holidays, and participants should thoroughly understand these dynamics before deploying capital during extended hours.

Industry Context

As of the announcement date, TD Ameritrade manages approximately $1.2 trillion in client assets across more than 11 million accounts. The firm executes roughly 900,000 trades daily—more than 25 percent originating from mobile devices—underscoring its dominant position in U.S. retail trading infrastructure.