A phrase that refers to the period following the close of the formal trading day in an exchange/ stock market. This involves all buying and selling transactions that take place when an exchange is closed for the day. Some companies delay particular news releases and earning announcements till after the bell. After-hours trading, mainly electronic trading, occurs after the close of the formal trading session.

After the bell is a part of extended-hours trading (EHT) that also includes pre-market trading (or also before-hours trading: buying and selling that takes place before the opening of a regular trading day)

It is also known as post-market or post-market trading.