QM_Stream_PostMarketLast: Real-time Post-Market Data with MarketXLS

The QM_Stream_PostMarketLast function is designed to fetch the last traded price of a stock in the post-market session, directly within Excel. It leverages MarketXLS’s real-time data streaming, ensuring that your post-market figures stay up to date as they change. This is especially useful when you need insight into after-hours trading activity or if you are preparing to make trading decisions once the regular market re-opens.

Why Use This Function?

• Gain real-time access to post-market quote updates directly in Excel.
• Make informed decisions about trades after the regular market close.
• Consolidate all post-market data in your existing spreadsheets without manual updates.
• Monitor extended-hours pricing trends effortlessly.
• Automate watchlist updates and compare regular session vs. post-market changes.

How to Use in Excel

=QM_Stream_PostMarketLast(symbol)

1. Open Excel and ensure the MarketXLS add-in is installed and active.
2. Select the cell where you want to display the post-market last traded price.
3. Type =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast("SYMBOL"), replacing SYMBOL with the ticker symbol (e.g., "AAPL") you want to track.
4. Press Enter to confirm, and Excel will begin streaming the post-market last price in real time (given a valid MarketXLS subscription and license).

Use one symbol per function call. If you want multiple symbols, replicate the formula in multiple cells, each with a different ticker.

Parameters Explained

Example Usage

Basic Examples

1. Display the Post-Market Last Price for Apple:
   =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast("AAPL")

   • This formula returns Apple’s last traded price during the post-market session.
   • If the post-market session is active, you will see updates live.

2. Monitoring Multiple Symbols:

   • In cell A1: =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast("AAPL")
   • In cell A2: =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast("MSFT")
   • This way you can monitor different ticker symbols’ post-market prices simultaneously, each cell updating in real time.

Advanced Scenarios

1. Comparing Regular Session vs. Post-Market Last Price

   • In cell B1, you might have a regular market last price function (for example, =QM_Stream_Last("AAPL")).
   • In cell C1, use =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast("AAPL") for the post-market comparison.
   • This lets you analyze the difference in price movement right after the regular session closes.

2. Building a Watchlist with Dozens of Symbols

   • List tickers in one column.
   • In the adjacent column, reference each ticker with =QM_Stream_PostMarketLast(A2) if A2 contains a symbol.
   • Create conditional formatting to highlight large after-hours price moves.

3. Automating Trading Strategies

   • Combine post-market last price data with other real-time metrics.
   • For instance, use volatility or volume stats in additional MarketXLS formulas to decide how or whether to place after-hours orders.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

• Q: What happens if the symbol is invalid?
  A: The function verifies the ticker symbol first. If invalid, it returns "NA".

• Q: Why am I getting a license error message?
  A: MarketXLS checks for a valid license before returning data. Make sure your license is active and configured properly.

• Q: The cell displays "ERR" instead of a price. What does that mean?
  A: An internal exception might have occurred. Check your license status, confirm the ticker symbol, and ensure your internet connection is stable.

• Q: Can I pass multiple symbols in one function call?
  A: No. The function is designed with one symbol parameter per call. Repeat the formula in multiple cells for multiple symbols.

• Q: Do I need a special subscription for post-market data?
  A: Post-market data availability may depend on your MarketXLS subscription tier. Verify with your MarketXLS settings that you have access to extended hours quotes.

By combining this function with the rest of the MarketXLS suite, you can deeply integrate post-market trading data into your Excel workflows. Keep your watchlists and analysis sheets automatically updated, and make fast decisions based on the latest post-market moves.