We’re excited to introduce 24/5 real-time quote data and account balance updates, ensuring that you stay informed even during extended hours and overnight trading.
What enhancements are included in this update?
24/5 Updates for Account Positions – The last price and day-change for account positions are continuously updated, even during extended hours and overnight sessions.
Real-Time Total Account Value Update – Account balances and values now update continuously, rather than stopping at regular market close.
How is “Day Change” calculated on the Positions page?
The Day Change ($) for each position is calculated by combining the Day Change of individual lots with the same symbol.
Lots purchased before 8 PM ET use the previous business day’s 4 PM ET market close as the baseline for Day Change.
Lots purchased after 8 PM ET (during the overnight session) are treated as intraday and use the purchase cost as the baseline for Day Change until the next day’s reset (after 7:30 AM ET).
The total Day Change at the top of the Positions page is simply the sum of all current positions’ Day Changes. It is not a reflection of the overall Gain/Loss for the day.
At 12 AM ET the Day Changes recalculate to be based on the most recent full trading day 4 PM ET closing prices.
For example: If a stock gained $100 by 4 PM Wednesday (compared to Tuesday’s 4 PM closing price) and then gained another $50 by 11:59 PM Wednesday, the Day Change will show $150, still compared to Tuesday’s 4 PM closing price. After 12 AM midnight, it changes to display a $50 gain, now compared to Wednesday’s 4 PM closing price.
How is the “Change” on the Balances page calculated?
All Balances page changes are based on the market close at 4 PM ET on the previous business day except for the Cash Balance change which is based on balances as of 8 PM ET the previous business day.
A different quote provider is used for the Balances page, which may cause minor differences in market value versus the Positions page, even without trading activity.
The Balances page Change also includes transaction activity (e.g., buy/sell orders, reinvested dividends).
How is my buying power calculated during overnight hours?
Both cash and margin buying power can be used for trading during the overnight trading session. Day trade buying power (DTBP) is recalculated at the start of each overnight session at 8 PM ET. During this period, DTBP will be temporarily reduced until it is refreshed the next morning at approximately 7:30 AM ET.
How is my day trade buying power calculated during overnight hours?
For Pattern Day Traders, day trade buying power is recalculated at 8 PM. Instead of allowing full DTBP, overnight DTBP is limited to 2X the account excess. Full DTBP is returned, minus any DTBP used during the overnight session, during the regular system restart at approximately 7:30 AM on each trading day. Both cash and margin buying power can also be used for trading during the overnight session.
What happens if I day trade over my DTBP during overnight trading?
If you exceed your overnight DTBP when opening and closing a position (day trading) during the overnight trading session, a Day Trade Call may potentially occur.