Stock Markets Exposed

Why would stock traders trade stocks even after markets (ex: NYSE, NASDAQ, etc.) are closed?

Why would anyone want to continue trading (buying and selling) even if the markets are already closed? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having the markets in the first place? i.e. NYSE, NASDAQ, etc.

Public Comments

1. The best time to play is when the lights go out. ;)
2. To look for better deals
3. All of these answers are incorrect. The reason traders are active after hours...is the same reason traders are active DURING the market session: they are reacting to news and information constantly. Typically, earnings results are reported just as the market closes, at 4PM EST in the US. If, for example, Intel reports a number that disappoints investors, you can be sure many holders will want to sell...it doesn't matter that the main markets are open. Wherever there is a seller, there will be a buyer. It's very simple.
4. Because they want to make more money. Some traders actually trade in other countries all day long (I mean 24 hours a day) I used to trade for 12 hours straight until my partner showed up and then he used to trade for 12 hours straight. We are both millionaires now and we now have young punks doing all the work (Some work for just 6 hours what is wrong with today's youth?)
5. The answer is that computers have made trading available to anyone and everyone in the world with a few hundred dollars. Worldwide trading for the day, in stock and in forex, begins in Australia at 5:00 pm in the US, then opens in Tokyo a few hours later, then London and Europe about 2:00 am, and finally the Americas (mostly Canada & US) awaken and arrive for trading at 7:00 - 8:00 am. All of this is aftermarket trading for people that may otherwise be asleep during normal market hours. Otherwise, aftermarket trading is considered "scared money." Prior to the advent of computers, or barring the use of computers, there would not be enough volume to warrant an aftermarket. But now, even while the broker sleeps, the nighthawks and insomniacs and shift-workers, and yes, even foreigners can play the game.