Stream Post-Market Last Trade Time for Stocks in Excel

The QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime function in MarketXLS returns real-time post-market last trade times for US stocks directly into Excel. This function leverages RTD (Real-Time Data) streaming to keep your data continuously updated, helping you stay informed of any after-hours movements.

By using this function, you can gain a clear view of post-market trading activity, track important after-hours price action, and make well-informed decisions outside standard market hours.

Why Use This Function?

• Stay Updated After Hours
  Get the last trade time in the post-market session, enabling you to monitor extended trading periods.

• Real-Time Data Streaming
  The function uses RTD to keep your post-market metrics updated in real time, ensuring you’re always working with fresh data.

• Easy Excel Integration
  Seamlessly incorporate post-market times into your Excel workflows. Combine it with formulas, charts, or dashboards for enhanced analysis.

• Quick Error Handling
  If the symbol is invalid or a user’s data subscription/license is not set up properly, it quickly returns an error message or “NA,” saving time in troubleshooting.

• Fits Multiple Scenarios
  Whether you’re tracking a single symbol or streaming post-market times of an entire watchlist, the function helps you monitor all after-hours updates.

How to Use in Excel

Simply type the formula in any cell where you want to see the post-market last trade time:

=QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime("SYMBOL")

• Replace "SYMBOL" with the valid stock ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL" or "MSFT").
• If the symbol is valid and the add-in is configured correctly, the cell will automatically update with the last trade time from the post-market session.
• Ensure your MarketXLS license is active and the data subscription is configured.

Parameters Explained

• The function returns the last recorded trade time for the selected symbol in the post-market session.
• If your license or subscription is not active, or your symbol is invalid, you’ll see a corresponding error message.

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Single Symbol Monitoring

   • In cell A1, enter:
     =QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime("AAPL")
   • The function will start streaming AAPL’s post-market last trade time in that cell.

2. Multiple Symbols in a Table

   • Suppose you have a list of symbols in cells A1:A5. In cell B1, type:
     =QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime(A1)
   • Drag or copy down to apply to A2, A3, etc., creating a dynamic table of post-market last trade times.

3. Invalid Symbol

   • If you type:
     =QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime("INVALIDSYM")
   • The function will return "NA" because the symbol is not recognized.

Advanced Scenarios

1. Combine with a Time-Formatting Formula

   • You can nest Excel’s TEXT function to format the time, for example:
     =TEXT(QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime("MSFT"), "hh:mm:ss AM/PM")
   • This transforms the returned value into a more readable time format.

2. Dashboards & Conditional Formatting

   • Create a post-market dashboard where cells update automatically.
   • Use conditional formatting to highlight after-hours times falling outside expected ranges, helping flag volatility in extended trading sessions.

3. Integrated Portfolio View

   • Combine this function with other MarketXLS streaming functions (e.g., last price, post-market change) to build a single view of all post-market activity, making it easier to identify any standout movements.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

1. Why am I getting “NA”?

   • This typically means the symbol is invalid or not found. Double-check the ticker and ensure it’s a valid US stock symbol.

2. The function shows a licensing error. How do I fix this?

   • Make sure your MarketXLS license is active. Go to Settings ? Help ? Settings ? Data Subscriptions and confirm your subscription is properly configured.

3. I’ve entered the formula correctly, but it shows “ERR.” What next?

   • Check your internet connection and ensure that MarketXLS can access the RTD/streaming service. Try restarting Excel or verifying MarketXLS’s installation.

4. The data doesn’t update in real time. What could be wrong?

   • Make sure that RTD is enabled in your Excel settings. MarketXLS relies on RTD to continuously stream data updates.

5. Can I use this function during regular market hours?

   • QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime is specifically for post-market data. During regular hours, the return might reference the most recent time if no after-hours trading has begun, or display activity once the extended session starts.

By leveraging QM_Stream_PostMarketLastTradeTime, you gain ongoing visibility into post-market trading activity directly in your Excel spreadsheets. This function is especially useful for traders, analysts, or anyone needing to keep a pulse on after-hours market moves without leaving Excel.