AAPL Daily Large Block Trade at Opening Bell

[Ged 10]

With regard to AAPL, 99% of the time, at the opening bell, the first transaction is a purchase or sale of a large block of shares (usually between 50,000 and 300,000 shares; sometimes as large as 800,000 +/- shares).

 

Does anyone know what these transactions actually are?

[SIUYA 11]

Ged - I am entirely guessing here as I dont trade US stocks or apple.

However in case no one else answers or knows.....

 

These could be overnight trades or late trades that are related to off market transactions whereby buyers and sellers have traded outside market hours. They might be an amalgamation of orders...

I found this....

'Investors may trade in the Pre-Market (4:00-9:30 a.m. ET) and the After Hours Market (4:00-8:00 p.m. ET). Participation from Market Makers and ECNs is strictly voluntary and as a result, these sessions may offer less liquidity and inferior prices. Stock prices may also move more quickly in this environment. Investors who anticipate trading during these times are strongly advised to use limit orders.

 

Read more: Apple Inc. After Hours Trading - NASDAQ.com

 

It could also be possibly be where large orders are matched in a similar way without constant interference by smaller orders, or even related to a hedged option trade that may have occurred.

 

All guesses, so sorry if thats not much help.

[Ged 10]

I appreciate the response Siuya.

 

I have speculated about some of the possibilities, but would like to know what I am actually looking at. The tape always reflects that one trader initiated the transaction. Also, quite often this trade seems to receive a slightly better than market price (a few pennies).

 

Thanks again.