Core Viewpoint - Understanding the trading rules and timeframes in the A-share market is crucial for investors to avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities, especially during the critical closing moments of trading [1][9]. Trading Time Rules - A-share trading is divided into four phases: 1. Pre-opening auction (9:15-9:25) where orders can be placed but not canceled after 9:20 [6]. 2. Continuous trading (9:30-11:30, 13:00-14:57) where prices fluctuate in real-time and orders can be placed or canceled freely [6]. 3. Closing auction (14:57-15:00) where orders can be placed but not canceled, with the final price determined by the weighted average of all valid orders before 15:00 [6]. Importance of Closing Auction - The last three minutes of trading are critical for observing market movements, with approximately 20% of intraday volatility occurring in this timeframe, often influenced by major players [3]. Case Studies - **Case 1: Closing Surge Trap**: A consumer stock saw a sudden surge of 4% in the last three minutes, misleading investors into thinking it was a positive signal, resulting in a loss of 8% the next day due to a sell-off by short-term traders [4]. - **Case 2: Closing Plunge Opportunity**: A new energy stock experienced significant selling pressure before the close, which was interpreted as a selling opportunity, leading to a successful exit before a subsequent drop [5]. Cautionary Points - Investors should be wary of "false fund flows" where large orders may be split to mislead retail investors, and should analyze data from multiple sources, including the龙虎榜 (Dragon and Tiger List) and price levels [8]. - Avoid "point-in-time orders" as broker systems may have different cut-off times, leading to potential order failures [8]. - Use limit orders instead of market orders during volatile closing periods to avoid unfavorable price discrepancies [8]. Strategies for Short-term Investors - **Volume-Price Coordination**: Look for stocks with a significant increase in volume (over 50% compared to the previous hour) and that are above the 5-day moving average, indicating a higher probability of price increase the next day [10]. - **Sector Linkage Effect**: Monitor sectors with notable closing gains and select stocks within those sectors that have not yet surged significantly [10]. - **Avoid High-Position Closing Stocks**: Be cautious of stocks that have risen over 20% in three consecutive days and show signs of volume stagnation at the close, as this may indicate selling by major players [10].