SGX Trading Hours and Market Order Guide 2026: Sessions, Pre-Market, and How to Place Orders
Last updated: July 2026 | SeaMoneyTips
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The Singapore Exchange (SGX) operates from 8:00 AM to 5:15 PM SGT with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The trading day has five sessions: Pre-Open, Opening Ring, Continuous Trading (two parts), Pre-Close, and After-Hours. Knowing these sessions and the four main order types (market, limit, stop-loss, and good-till-cancelled) is essential for executing trades efficiently on the SGX.
SGX Trading Sessions Explained
The SGX trading day is divided into five distinct sessions, each with its own purpose and rules for order placement.
Pre-Open Session (8:00 AM – 8:30 AM SGT)
The Pre-Open session runs from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM. During this 30-minute window, investors can submit, modify, and cancel orders, but no trades are executed. The exchange collects all incoming orders and at 8:30 AM calculates the opening price based on supply and demand. This session is useful for investors who want to enter at the opening price without watching the market continuously.
Opening Ring (8:30 AM – 8:31 AM SGT)
The Opening Ring lasts only one minute. All matched orders from the Pre-Open session are executed at the calculated opening price. This is when the market officially opens and the first trade of the day is recorded.
Continuous Trading (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM SGT)
Continuous Trading is where most daily volume occurs. The morning session runs from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by an hour-long lunch break, then the afternoon session from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Orders are matched in real time based on price and time priority. If your buy price matches a seller’s asking price, the trade executes immediately. This is where most price discovery happens.
Pre-Close Session (5:00 PM – 5:05 PM SGT)
The Pre-Close session runs for five minutes starting at 5:00 PM. Investors can place and modify orders, but no automatic matching occurs. The exchange collects all orders and calculates the closing price, which determines the official closing value of each stock for the day.
After-Hours Session (5:05 PM – 5:15 PM SGT)
The After-Hours session is the final trading window, running from 5:05 PM to 5:15 PM. Trades are executed at the closing price determined during the Pre-Close session. After 5:15 PM, the SGX closes for the day.
SGX Market Order Types Explained
Understanding the different order types available on the SGX is critical for executing your trading strategy. Each order type serves a different purpose.
Market Order
A market order instructs your broker to buy or sell at the best currently available price. Market orders execute almost immediately during Continuous Trading, making them ideal when speed matters more than price. The main risk is slippage, where the execution price differs from what you saw when placing the order. This is usually minimal for liquid stocks like DBS Group but can be significant for thinly traded stocks.
Limit Order
A limit order lets you specify the exact price you want to buy or sell at. For example, placing a buy limit order at SGD 3.50 means the trade only executes if the market reaches that price or better. If the stock never hits your target, the order remains unfilled. Limit orders give you precise price control but carry the risk of non-execution. This is the preferred order type for most disciplined investors.
Stop-Loss Order
A stop-loss order automatically triggers a sell order once a stock reaches a specified price. If you own a stock trading at SGD 5.00, setting a stop-loss at SGD 4.50 means the system will sell if the price drops to that level. Stop-loss orders protect your portfolio against unexpected downturns, though in a fast-moving market the execution price may be lower than your stop price.
Good-Till-Cancelled (GTC) Order
A GTC order stays active until it is filled or manually cancelled. Standard orders expire at the end of the trading day, but GTC orders persist across multiple sessions. This is useful for investors with long-term price targets who do not want to re-enter orders daily. Most brokers limit GTC orders to 30 to 60 days before auto-cancellation.
Comparison Table: SGX Order Types
| Order Type | Execution Speed | Price Control | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Order | Immediate | None (market price) | Medium (slippage) | Quick entries in liquid stocks |
| Limit Order | Only at target price | Full control | Low | Price-sensitive investors |
| Stop-Loss Order | Triggered at stop price | Partial control | Medium-High | Risk management |
| Good-Till-Cancelled | When target price reached | Full control | Low | Long-term target investing |
How to Place an Order on SGX: Step-by-Step Guide
Placing an order on the SGX is straightforward with a brokerage account. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough using a typical broker app in Singapore. For broker options, see our guide on the best stock brokers for 2026.
Step 1: Log in to your brokerage account. Ensure your account is funded. Popular brokers in Singapore include DBS Vickers, OCBC Securities, Phillip Securities, Tiger Brokers, and Saxo Markets.
Step 2: Search for the stock by company name or code. For example, DBS Group Holdings uses code D05. The stock detail page shows the current price, daily range, and volume.
Step 3: Select the order type. Choose Market Order, Limit Order, Stop-Loss, or GTC. Beginners should start with limit orders for price control.
Step 4: Enter the quantity. SGX board lots are 100 shares. To buy 500 shares, enter 5 lots. Some brokers now support odd lot trading for fewer than 100 shares.
Step 5: Enter the price for limit or stop-loss orders. Double-check before confirming to avoid unintended execution.
Step 6: Review the estimated total cost including brokerage commission, clearing fees, and taxes. Online brokerage fees typically range from SGD 10 to SGD 25 per trade.
Step 7: Submit the order. Monitor the status in your order book. It will show “Queued” if unmatched or “Filled” if executed.
SGX Trading Calendar 2026: Public Holidays
The SGX is closed on weekends and Singapore public holidays. Here are the key closure dates for 2026. Always verify with the official SGX website, as dates may be updated.
- New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Chinese New Year – January 29, 2026 (Thursday)
- Chinese New Year Day 2 – January 30, 2026 (Friday)
- Good Friday – April 3, 2026 (Friday)
- Labour Day – May 1, 2026 (Friday)
- Vesak Day – May 12, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Hari Raya Puasa – May 20, 2026 (Wednesday)
- National Day – August 9, 2026 (Sunday, observed August 10)
- Hari Raya Haji – August 27, 2026 (Thursday)
- Deepavali – October 20, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Christmas Day – December 25, 2026 (Friday)
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) also publishes the official holiday list each year. Planning trades around these dates? Check our stock dividend calendar to avoid missing ex-dividend dates.
FAQ
Related: Singapore Regular Savings Plan (RSP) Guide 2026
What time does the SGX open and close?
The SGX opens at 8:00 AM SGT with the Pre-Open session and closes at 5:15 PM SGT after the After-Hours session. Continuous Trading runs from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Can I trade SGX stocks during the lunch break?
No, trades cannot execute during the 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM break. You can place and modify orders, which will be queued for matching when the afternoon session starts at 1:00 PM.
What is the minimum number of shares I can buy on the SGX?
The standard board lot is 100 shares. Many brokers now support odd lot trading for fewer than 100 shares, though odd lot trades may have wider bid-ask spreads.
Is there after-hours trading on the SGX?
Yes, the After-Hours session runs from 5:05 PM to 5:15 PM. Trades execute at the closing price determined in the Pre-Close session. This is separate from any extended hours trading offered by individual brokers.
What is the difference between a market order and a limit order on the SGX?
A market order executes immediately at the best available price, while a limit order only executes at your specified price or better. Market orders guarantee execution but not price; limit orders guarantee price but not execution.
Are SGX derivatives trading hours the same?
No, SGX Derivatives (futures and options) have different hours extending into the evening, typically 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and continuing from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM the next day. Check the SGX website for specific product hours.
Key Takeaways
- The SGX trading day runs from 8:00 AM to 5:15 PM SGT with five sessions: Pre-Open, Opening Ring, Continuous Trading (split by a lunch break), Pre-Close, and After-Hours.
- Continuous Trading from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM is where the majority of daily volume occurs.
- The four main order types are Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, and Good-Till-Cancelled, each suited to different strategies.
- Limit orders offer the most price control and are recommended for most retail investors.
- The SGX is closed on public holidays. Always check the official calendar before placing trades.
- Board lot size is 100 shares, with odd lot trading available through most brokers.
- Brokerage fees in Singapore typically range from SGD 10 to SGD 25 per online trade.
Conclusion
Understanding SGX trading hours and order types is a fundamental part of investing in Singapore stocks. Knowing each session and how different orders work will help you time your trades effectively and avoid costly mistakes. For those exploring beyond local stocks, our overseas stock investing guide and our guide on how to invest in Japan stocks from Singapore are excellent next steps. Building a long-term portfolio? Read our value investing guide to develop a solid foundation for your investment approach.
This article was written by the SeaMoneyTips Editorial Team, focused on personal finance education for Singapore and Indonesia readers. For inquiries, please contact us.
Related: How to Invest in Japan Stocks from Singapore
Related: Singapore Stock Dividend Calendar 2026