This is just a general question and has no hidden agenda!

I understand that if there is a pending news release regarding material change etc., there may be a need for an official halt in trading, but if the NR is after trading hours, there is no need for it. Therefore, why bother having a NR during trading hours, if it requires a halt? Surely things can't be that urgent. It appears that most releases are after hours anyway.

Is there an advantage to having a halt? maybe such that it creates more attention, or is there another valid reason to release the news at 2:00pm rather than 4:30pm?

Can anyone provide an explanation?

For Real