What is AMO: How After Market Order Works, It’s Benefits, Timing, and Usage

In the fast-moving world of stock markets, timing matters a lot. But what if you’re busy during market hours and still want to trade? That’s where AMO comes in. So, what is AMO? AMO stands for After Market Order. It’s a special facility that allows you to place buy or sell orders even when the stock market is closed.

It is useful, especially for busy professionals, part-time investors, or anyone who wants to prepare their trades in advance without rushing during the trading window. This article will take readers through everything you need to know about After Market Order, what is AMO, how it works, when to place it, and why platforms like SMC Global Securities make it super simple to use.

What is AMO?

AMO (After Market Order) is an order type that lets you plan and place your stock orders even when the exchange is not live. For example, the Indian stock markets usually run from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. But with AMO, you can place your order before 9:15 AM or after 3:30 PM.

These orders remain pending and get executed automatically once the market opens. It’s like setting an alarm for your trade!

What is AMO in the simplest terms? It’s a way to place your order before the market even starts so you don’t have to worry about missing opportunities.

Why Are After Market Orders So Popular?

One reason why people love AMOs is convenience. Many investors don’t have time to actively trade during regular market hours. You could be working a 9-to-5 job or attending college, but you still want to participate in the stock market.

That’s where AMOs come to the rescue. With after market orders, you can sit in peace after dinner, do your research, and plan your trades for the next day. You’re not in a hurry or under pressure.

Since you’re planning your order ahead, you often make better decisions, without being influenced by sudden market noise or emotions.

AMO Order Time

Let’s understand AMO order time properly. Different stock exchanges and brokers offer slightly different time slots, but here’s a general guideline:

NSE (National Stock Exchange):

Equity Segment: You can place an AMO between 3:45 PM to 8:57 AM (next day).

BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange):

Equity Segment: AMO time is typically from 3:45 PM to 8:59 AM.

MCX (Commodities):

For commodity trading, AMO time varies based on the segment and trading session. On average, it is available after 11:30 PM.

Do note: Your broker might close AMO a few minutes before the exchange does. So always check the AMO cut-off time with your broker. Platforms like SMC Global Securities show you a live countdown or a status for AMO availability on your dashboard—super useful!

How Does an AMO Work?

Now that you understand what is AMO, let’s see how it works in real time.

• You open your trading app.
• You research a stock—say you want to buy SBI shares at ₹750.
• You place an AMO at 7:00 PM after market hours.
• The order stays in queue overnight.
• When the market opens at 9:15 AM, your order is sent to the exchange.
• If the price matches your limit or the best available market price, the trade gets executed!

And just like that, you participated in the market—even without being present!

Types of AMO (After Market Order)

You can place different types of orders under AMO:

• Market Order: Buy or sell at the best available price once the market opens.
• Limit Order: You set your preferred price and quantity.
• Stop Loss Order: Protect your downside risk.
• Stop Loss Market Order: Trigger your exit automatically at a certain price.

So, whether you’re a risk-taker or a cautious investor, after market orders give you full flexibility.

What is the Difference Between Regular Order and AMO?

Here’s a quick side-by-side look:

Feature	Regular Order	After Market Order (AMO)
Market Timings	9:15 AM – 3:30 PM	Before 9:15 AM or after 3:30 PM
Order Placement	During live market	During off-market hours
Ideal For	Active traders	Busy professionals
Execution Time	Instant (if price matches)	Executed at market open
Modification Option	Before execution	Before market opens

Benefits of AMO

Now that we’ve seen what is AMO, let’s talk about the top advantages:

1. Peace of Mind: Set your orders when you’re calm, without market noise.
2. Time Flexibility: Perfect for people who can’t trade during working hours.
3. Strategic Planning: Great for long-term and SIP investors who want to avoid impulsive decisions.
4. Better Control: You decide when and how your order should go live.
5. Easy Tax Planning: You can schedule tax-saving exits or entries smoothly.

Who Should Use AMO?

Almost anyone! But they are especially helpful for:

• Full-time working professionals
• Business owners
• NRIs and international investors
• College students learning trading
• Long-term investors planning SIPs or STPs

Limitations of AMO

Of course, AMOs aren’t perfect. Here are a few limitations to consider:

1. No Real-Time Action: You can’t react to live news or updates.
2. Execution Not Guaranteed: If the price moves away from your limit, the order may not execute.
3. Volatility Risk: Overnight news or global events can change the opening price drastically.

Always remember that the AMO time is just a placement window. Your order is only executed during regular trading hours.

How to Place an AMO

If you’re using SMC Global Securities, the process is easy:

1. Log into your SMC Global trading app or website.
2. Search for your stock or mutual fund.
3. Choose “Buy” or “Sell” and select “AMO” from the order type.
4. Set your quantity, price (limit or market), and other preferences.
5. Click “Submit”. You’ll see a confirmation message.
6. You’ll also receive an SMS or email once the order is executed after the market opens.

Can You Cancel or Modify AMO?

Yes, absolutely. You can modify or cancel your AMO before 9:00 AM (or your broker’s cut-off time) on the trading day. After that, the order is sent to the exchange and can’t be changed.

Pro tip: Always double-check your order summary before the market opens. With SMC Global, the UI clearly shows pending orders and lets you update them easily.

Conclusion

So now you clearly understand what is AMO, how it works, what the AMO time is, and how after market orders can help you take control of your trading even outside market hours. Whether you’re investing in equity, mutual funds, or commodities—AMO makes your life easier.

And when it comes to smart, user-friendly platforms to place AMOs, SMC Global Securities stands out. With real-time NAV tracking, expert tools, research support, and easy AMO placement, it’s the go-to choice for both beginners and seasoned investors.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

1. What is AMO in simple terms?

An AMO (After Market Order) is a type of order that you can place when the stock market is closed. It gets queued and is sent for execution automatically when the market opens the next day.

2. What is the AMO time for NSE and BSE in 2025?

As of July 2025, you can place AMO for NSE stocks between 3:45 PM to 8:57 AM, and for BSE stocks between 3:45 PM to 8:59 AM on trading days.

3. Can I cancel or modify an AMO ?

Yes, AMO can be cancelled or edited anytime before they are sent to the exchange—usually before 9:00 AM the next day.

4. Do all brokers support AMO?

Most brokers, including SMC Global Securities, support AMO for equity, F&O, and sometimes mutual fund SIPs, depending on the platform’s offerings.

5. Is AMO good for long-term investors?

Absolutely! AMOs are perfect for investors who like to plan their trades calmly and avoid the rush or emotional decisions during live market hours.

Author: All Content is verified by SMC Global Securities.