The opening bell is a signal marking the commencement of a new day of trading on exchanges around the world. While not every exchange still uses an actual bell, the idea of an opening bell goes back to the very beginnings of the U.S. stock exchange. Today, with extended trading hours for many stocks, the opening bell may not have the same importance it once did, but the opening bell still marks the beginning of trading for many stocks and the opening bell is still used by many investors who wish to buy or sell "at the opening bell." Stock movements, either up or down from the previous day's closing price, are still measured from the first trade at the opening bell. |
