2026er US-Markt Komplettführer: Handelszeiten nach koreanischer Zeit und wichtige Informationen für Investoren

In US market trading, Korean investors may miss opportunities or face planning issues if they do not accurately understand the time difference between the US and Korea, the changes due to daylight saving time, and market holidays. The US market operates from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM Korean time, which is nighttime trading for most Korean investors, making precise time awareness essential.

This article summarizes the opening and closing times of the US market in 2026, market holidays, trading regulations, and comparisons with international markets at a glance. All key information necessary for successful investing is included.

How the US Market Operates: Unified Trading Hours Across Three Exchanges

The US stock market mainly consists of three exchanges: NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX. The important point is that all three have the same trading hours.

Regular Trading Hours:

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Korean Time: 11:30 PM – 6:00 AM (next day)
• During Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March – first Sunday in November): Korean Time 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM (next day)

In addition, the US market operates pre-market and after-hours trading outside regular hours.

Pre-market hours:

• EST: 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM
• Korean Time: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• During DST: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

After-hours trading:

• EST: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Korean Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (next day)
• During DST: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (next day)

Trading is possible during pre-market and after-hours, but liquidity is lower than during regular hours, so investors should consider their trading volume and objectives.

NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX: Characteristics and Listed Companies

Each of the three US exchanges has unique features. Knowing where a company is listed helps build a more effective portfolio.

NYSE:

Founded on May 17, 1792, NYSE is the oldest and largest stock exchange by market cap, with about 2,400 listed companies totaling approximately $23 trillion. It mainly lists established large-cap companies like Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Visa (V), and Walmart (WMT).

NASDAQ:

Established on February 8, 1971, NASDAQ started as an over-the-counter market but has grown rapidly to become the second-largest exchange globally by market cap. It is known for technology and IT companies, with giants like Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Nvidia (NVDA) listed there.

AMEX:

The American Stock Exchange is the third-largest US exchange after NYSE and NASDAQ. Unlike NYSE’s focus on large-cap stocks, AMEX mainly lists mid- and small-cap companies, attracting investors interested in growth potential.

US Market Holidays in 2026: Essential Dates for Planning

Like the Korean stock market, the US market has holidays. The 2026 federal holidays and market holidays are:

On these days, the US market is completely closed, so trading is impossible. When planning investments, these dates must be excluded.

Early Market Close Days:

In addition, on certain days, the market closes early at 1:00 PM EST (next day 2:00 AM Korean time):

On these days, trading hours are shortened by 4 hours 30 minutes, so plans should be adjusted accordingly.

Key Rules of US Market Trading: Differences from Korea

There are important regulatory differences between the US and Korean markets:

1. No Price Limit: Korean markets restrict daily price movements within a certain percentage (e.g., ±30%). The US market has no such limits, allowing stocks to surge or plummet over 50% or 100% in a day. Sudden volatility during nighttime US trading can be challenging to respond to quickly.

2. Settlement Period: All US trades are settled in USD, with T+2 settlement (trade date plus two business days), same as Korea. Planning fund transfers should account for this.

3. Trading Units: Minimum trading unit in the US is 1 share, similar to Korea. However, US stock prices tend to be lower (e.g., Berkshire Hathaway over $500,000), so investment amounts should consider this.

Comparing International Markets: Korea, Japan, UK

If you diversify across global markets, understanding their trading hours is important.

Overlap with US market hours allows strategic trading. For example, US pre-market hours (Korean time 17:00–23:30) occur after Korean market close, enabling quick reactions to US news.

2026 US Market Trading Success Checklist

To invest successfully in the US market, remember to:

• Check Daylight Saving Time: From second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November, clocks move forward by 1 hour. Confirm dates annually.
• Know Market Holidays: Mark 2026 holiday dates on your calendar to avoid planning errors.
• Utilize Pre-market and After-hours: Be aware of lower liquidity and wider spreads.
• Monitor Exchange Rates: USD fluctuations impact returns.
• Prepare for Night Trading: Gather information in advance and plan accordingly, as US hours are during Korean night.

Conclusion

The US stock market, as the largest in the world, is a key gateway for Korean investors seeking global diversification. However, understanding time differences, daylight saving adjustments, and holidays is crucial for effective trading. Use this guide’s 2026 trading hours and holiday schedule to develop a systematic investment plan. Always verify the latest information on official exchange websites, as trading hours and rules may change.