U.S. Stock Market Switches to Winter Time! Complete Guide to Trading Hours and Market Holidays in 2026

Latest Reminder: The United States entered Standard Time at 2:00 AM on November 2, 2025. Taiwanese investors should pay attention to the time difference changes. During Standard Time, regular trading hours are adjusted to 22:30 to 5:00 Taiwan time.

1. How Standard Time Affects US Stock Trading Hours

The US switches between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time at specific times each year, which is crucial for Asian traders. Standard Time begins at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November and ends at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March the following year, during which clocks are turned back by 1 hour.

Since Taiwan does not observe daylight saving adjustments year-round, Asian investors must closely monitor this time difference to accurately grasp US stock trading opportunities. During Daylight Saving Time, the time difference is 1 hour shorter than during Standard Time, directly affecting Taiwanese investors’ order placement schedules.

2. The Three Major US Stock Exchanges and Trading Schedule

The biggest difference between US stocks and Taiwan stocks is that US stocks are not concentrated on a single exchange but are dispersed across three major securities markets. Each exchange operates independently; although most opening and closing times are synchronized, quotes and trading volumes may vary slightly.

Introduction to Major US Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the world’s largest stock exchange, with over 3,500 listed securities by total market capitalization. Although electronic, floor trading still plays an important role, especially in setting prices and handling large institutional trades.

NASDAQ is an electronic exchange, the world’s first all-electronic securities market, where investors trade directly via phone or internet. Many listed companies are tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, etc.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX, now NYSE American) is the third-largest US trading market, mainly listing small- and mid-cap stocks, and is the only exchange where stocks, futures, and derivatives can be traded simultaneously.

US Stock Trading Hours and Corresponding Taiwan Time

3. US Stock Market Holidays in 2026

Investors should pay special attention to US market holidays when the market is closed or closes early to avoid missing trading opportunities or incurring unnecessary losses. The following holidays in 2026 will see market closures:

Note that some states may have different holiday observance rules; traders should adjust their trading plans accordingly.

4. Basic US Stock Trading Rules and Costs

US stocks are priced in USD, with a minimum trading unit of 1 share. A key difference from Taiwan stocks is the T+3 settlement system, meaning settlement occurs three business days after the trade.

Regarding fees, manual orders cost about 1% of the transaction amount, while electronic orders range from 0.5% to 1%. Investors should choose the order method that best suits their trading habits.

5. Major Global Stock Markets Opening and Closing Times (Taiwan Local Time)

Besides US stocks, traders can also monitor other major global stock markets. The following table shows the opening and closing times of major exchanges and their corresponding Taiwan local times:

Conclusion

Understanding the correct trading hours and holiday schedules of US stocks is crucial for Taiwanese investors. Especially during Standard Time, the US trading window shifts later, so investors should adjust their schedules in advance to avoid missing key trading opportunities. Regularly review US market holidays and plan your trading strategies accordingly to effectively manage investment risks.