Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has become one of the most common ways to build long-term wealth, and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is among the most popular choices. If you use Fidelity as your brokerage platform, you may be wondering whether you can buy VOO anytime, how the process works, and whether there are any restrictions or fees involved. Understanding these details is essential before making investment decisions, especially if timing and flexibility matter in your strategy.
TLDR: Yes, you can buy VOO anytime during regular market hours through Fidelity, just like most publicly traded ETFs. There are no commissions for online U.S. ETF trades at Fidelity, including VOO. However, you cannot trade VOO when the market is closed unless you place certain order types that execute when the market reopens. Always consider market hours, order types, and settlement rules when planning your trades.
What Is VOO?
VOO is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, designed to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index. This index represents 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. By purchasing shares of VOO, investors effectively gain exposure to a broad cross-section of the U.S. stock market.
- Low expense ratio
- Diversified large-cap exposure
- Long-term growth orientation
- Passive investment strategy
Because of these characteristics, VOO is widely used in retirement accounts, taxable brokerage accounts, and long-term investment portfolios.
Can You Buy VOO Anytime With Fidelity?
The short answer is yes—with some important clarification.
VOO is an ETF that trades on a major U.S. exchange, just like an individual stock. Fidelity allows clients to trade ETFs online without commissions. This means:
- You can place a buy order for VOO at any time.
- The trade will execute during market hours if conditions are met.
- You generally pay no commission for online purchases.
However, that does not mean trades execute 24 hours a day. Understanding market timing is crucial.
Understanding Market Hours
VOO trades during standard U.S. stock market hours:
- Regular trading hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
- Pre-market trading: Typically 7:00 a.m. to 9:28 a.m. ET (availability may vary)
- After-hours trading: Usually 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
If you place a market order outside regular hours, it will generally execute at the next available trading session. Limit orders can be placed after hours but may not fill until conditions are met.
Key point: You can submit an order anytime on Fidelity’s platform, but the trade will only execute when the market is open (or during extended trading hours, if eligible).
Types of Orders You Can Use on Fidelity
When buying VOO, you have several order types available. Choosing the right one matters.
1. Market Order
- Executes immediately at the best available price.
- Best used during regular trading hours when liquidity is highest.
2. Limit Order
- Executes only at a specific price or better.
- Gives more price control.
- Can remain open for the day or longer (depending on settings).
3. Good-Til-Canceled (GTC)
- Stays active for an extended period (typically up to 180 days at Fidelity).
- Useful for disciplined entry points.
For many conservative investors, limit orders are preferred to avoid unexpected price swings during volatile sessions.
Are There Any Fees for Buying VOO on Fidelity?
Fidelity offers commission-free online trading for U.S.-listed ETFs, including VOO. That means:
- No trading commission per transaction.
- No special surcharge for Vanguard ETFs.
- No minimum investment beyond the cost of one share (unless using fractional shares).
However, you should still consider:
- VOO’s expense ratio (charged by the fund, not Fidelity)
- Bid-ask spreads
- Tax implications if held in a taxable account
The expense ratio for VOO is very low compared to many actively managed funds, which contributes to its popularity.
Can You Buy Fractional Shares of VOO at Fidelity?
Yes. Fidelity offers fractional share trading for many ETFs and stocks, including VOO. This means you do not need to purchase a full share if the price is high.
For example:
- If VOO trades at $400 per share, you can invest $100.
- You would receive 0.25 shares (approximately).
This feature makes VOO accessible to investors starting with smaller amounts of capital.
What Happens If the Market Is Closed?
If you try to buy VOO outside market hours, here is what occurs:
- Market orders queue for the next session.
- Limit orders may execute during extended hours if you specify eligibility.
- If not eligible for extended hours, they wait until the next regular session.
Extended-hours trading typically has:
- Lower trading volume
- Wider bid-ask spreads
- Potentially more volatility
For long-term investors, trading during regular hours is generally safer and more predictable.
Comparison: Fidelity vs. Other Major Brokers for Buying VOO
| Broker | Commission on VOO | Fractional Shares | Extended Hours Access | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 online | Yes | Yes | No minimum (beyond share price) |
| Charles Schwab | $0 online | Yes | Yes | No minimum |
| Vanguard | $0 online | Limited fractional ETF access | Limited | No minimum |
| E Trade | $0 online | Yes | Yes | No minimum |
Fidelity remains highly competitive due to its fractional share capability, research tools, and integrated retirement account management.
Does It Matter When You Buy VOO?
Technically, you can buy VOO anytime during trading hours. Strategically, timing may or may not matter depending on your approach.
Long-term investors often use:
- Dollar-cost averaging
- Automatic investments
- Set-and-forget strategies
For these investors, short-term price movements are less relevant.
Short-term traders, however, may focus on:
- Intraday volatility
- Economic announcements
- Market sentiment shifts
The S&P 500 can experience volatility around Federal Reserve meetings, inflation data releases, or major geopolitical events.
Settlement and Cash Availability
When buying VOO through Fidelity, settlement rules also apply.
- ETF trades generally settle on T+1 (trade date plus one business day).
- You must have sufficient buying power available.
- Frequent traders should understand good faith and free riding rules.
If you are using a margin account, different rules may apply compared to a cash account.
Automatic Investing in VOO
Fidelity allows investors to schedule recurring investments into ETFs, including VOO. This enables:
- Weekly investments
- Biweekly contributions
- Monthly contributions
This feature can help remove emotional decision-making from investing and promote disciplined portfolio growth.
Risks to Consider
Although buying VOO is straightforward, there are risks:
- Market downturns can significantly reduce portfolio value.
- VOO is fully exposed to equity market risk.
- No downside protection built into the ETF structure.
- Heavy weighting toward large-cap companies.
Even though you can buy VOO at almost any time through Fidelity, that does not eliminate investment risk. Careful asset allocation remains essential.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy VOO anytime with Fidelity? Yes—within normal market trading parameters. Fidelity offers commission-free ETF trades, fractional shares, extended hours access, and robust order options. Orders can be placed at any time, though execution depends on market availability.
For most investors, the flexibility Fidelity provides is more than sufficient. Whether you are building a retirement portfolio, diversifying a taxable brokerage account, or implementing a systematic investment strategy, VOO is readily accessible.
That said, accessibility should not replace thoughtful decision-making. Consider your time horizon, risk tolerance, and broader financial goals before investing. The ability to buy anytime is valuable—but disciplined strategy ultimately determines long-term success.