Master the Complete Guide to the 2026 US Stock Market: Trading Hours, Market Holidays, and Taiwan Time Difference

Important Update: The United States officially entered Standard Time at 2:00 AM on November 2, 2025. The regular trading hours of the US stock market are adjusted to Taiwan time from 22:30 to 5:00 the next day.

Why Should You Understand US Stock Market Trading Hours?

If you’re a Taiwanese investor wanting to participate in US stock trading, you first need to understand a reality: The biggest difference between US stocks and Taiwan stocks is not the price movement direction, but the trading hours. The US and Taiwan are separated by half the globe, and the US adjusts for daylight saving time every year, while Taiwan does not, causing the time difference to change twice a year. Missing just one hour could mean missing a critical trading opportunity.

Three Trading Windows of the US Stock Market

The US stock market does not have only one trading session. Depending on the level of formality, it can be divided into three different time windows:

1. Pre-market Trading

• Eastern Time (ET): Monday to Friday 4:00 - 9:30
• Taiwan Standard Time (Winter): Monday to Friday 17:00 - 22:30
• Taiwan Daylight Time (Summer): Monday to Friday 16:30 - 21:30
• Features: Lower trading volume, weaker liquidity, larger fluctuations possible

2. Regular Trading Hours

• Eastern Time (ET): Monday to Friday 9:30 - 16:00
• Taiwan Winter Time: 22:30 - 5:00 (next day)
• Taiwan Summer Time: 21:30 - 4:00 (next day)
• Features: Core trading period, highest volume, best liquidity, main focus for most investors

3. After-hours Trading

• Eastern Time (ET): Monday to Friday 16:00 - 20:00
• Taiwan Winter Time: 5:00 - 9:00
• Taiwan Summer Time: 4:00 - 8:00
• Features: Sparse trading, mainly institutional activity, generally not suitable for beginners

The Impact of Time Difference: Winter vs. Summer Time

Many Taiwanese investors encounter a pitfall when first trading US stocks: US time zones change, but Taiwan’s do not. This causes the US stock market trading hours in Taiwan to change twice a year.

US Time System

• Daylight Saving Time (DST): Starts on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, ends on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, clocks move forward 1 hour
• Standard Time: Starts on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, ends on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, clocks move back 1 hour

Note: US states may vary in observing DST, but the financial hub New York adjusts uniformly.

Actual Schedule for US Stock Market in 2026

What does this mean? During winter time (November to March), Taiwanese investors need to trade after 22:30. During summer time (March to November), trading starts earlier at 21:30.

Basic Rules and Settings for US Stock Trading

Regardless of the exchange chosen, the basic rules are uniform:

• Trading Currency: USD
• Trading Unit: 1 share (unlike Taiwan stocks, which are traded in lots of 1000 shares)
• Trading Days: Monday to Friday, excluding US public holidays
• Settlement System: T+3 (settlement occurs on the third business day after the trade)
• Commission Fees: Usually about 1% for manual orders, 0.5%-1% for electronic orders (varies by broker)

Differences Among the Three Major US Exchanges

US stocks are not concentrated in a single exchange like Taiwan stocks. The US stock market involves three major independent exchanges, each with its own characteristics:

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

• The largest stock exchange globally by market capitalization of listed companies
• Over 3,500 listed stocks
• Trading method: Mainly electronic, but still significant floor trading, especially for large institutional trades
• Features: Traditional industries, large blue-chip stocks
• Examples: Barclays, General Motors, etc.

NASDAQ

• The world’s first fully electronic securities market
• No physical trading floor; all trading via internet or phone
• Features: Mostly high-tech companies
• Examples: Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, etc.
• Companies listed tend to have higher growth potential

NYSE American (formerly AMEX)

• The third-largest US trading market
• Features: Focus on small- and mid-cap stocks
• Unique advantage: The only exchange that allows trading stocks, futures, and derivatives simultaneously
• History: Acquired by NYSE in 2008, later renamed NYSE American

Although these exchanges operate independently, in practice, the trading hours for US stock market are synchronized across all exchanges, so investors do not need to worry about differences in opening and closing times.

Complete Calendar of US Stock Market Holidays in 2026

US markets, like Taiwan, are closed on public holidays. Knowing these dates helps in planning trading strategies. Here are the holidays when the US stock market will be closed or close early in 2026:

Investment Tip: Trading volume tends to be higher on the day before holidays, with potential for increased volatility. If you have pending trades, it’s best to avoid rushing orders just before holidays.

Major Global Stock Markets Opening Hours (Taiwan Time)

Besides US markets, many Taiwanese investors also follow other major stock exchanges. Here is a reference table for their local trading hours in Taiwan time:

Notice? Many global markets’ trading hours overlap, which can be a challenge for investors doing global asset allocation.

Practical Tips: How to Optimize Your US Stock Trading Strategy

1. Set Calendar Reminders: Mark the daylight saving time change dates (usually in March and November) on your phone to avoid time errors.
2. Prepare in Advance: If you want to place orders right after regular trading begins, complete preparations before 23:00 the night before.
3. Monitor Pre-market Trends: Important news often reacts in pre-market; log in 30 minutes early to catch opportunities.
4. Be Aware of Liquidity: After-hours trading has low liquidity; beginners should stick to regular hours.
5. Avoid Trading Before Holidays: The day before holidays can see abnormal volatility; set stop-loss orders cautiously.

Mastering the schedule of US stock market hours is like holding the key to participating in US stock trading. Hope this comprehensive guide helps you smoothly start your US stock investment journey.