## Want to know what time the US stock market opens? Complete Trading Hours Guide for 2026

As a Taiwanese investor, understanding what time the US stock market opens is crucial. Since the US observes daylight saving time and standard time, while Taiwan remains fixed year-round, the time difference varies with the seasons. Let’s analyze each aspect to help you never miss any trading opportunities.

## What time does the US stock market open? A visual guide to regular and irregular trading hours

The US stock market is not only open during regular trading hours but also includes pre-market and after-hours trading sessions. Below is the complete schedule in Eastern Time:

| **Trading Session** | **Eastern Time (ET)** | **Taiwan Local Time (Standard Time)** | **Taiwan Local Time (Daylight Saving Time)** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-market trading | 4:00 - 9:30 | 17:00 - 22:30 | 16:30 - 21:30 |
| **Regular trading** | **9:30 - 16:00** | **22:30 - 5:00 (next day)** | **21:30 - 4:00 (next day)** |
| After-hours trading | 16:00 - 20:00 | 5:00 - 9:00 (next day) | 4:00 - 8:00 (next day) |

**Important Reminder:** The opening time of the US stock market is affected by daylight saving time. Since November 2, 2025, the US has entered standard time, and the regular trading hours in Taiwan are from 22:30 to 5:00 the next day.

## Why does the US stock market opening time change? Understanding Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time

The US adopts daylight saving time starting from 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March and ends on 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November. During this period, clocks are moved forward by 1 hour; in standard time, clocks are turned back by 1 hour. Since Asia maintains a fixed time year-round, Taiwanese investors should pay special attention to these changes.

## Introduction to Major US Stock Exchanges

The main difference between US stocks and Taiwanese stocks lies in the number of exchanges. Taiwan has only one Taiwan Stock Exchange, but the US has three major exchanges, each operating independently:

**New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)**
- The largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization
- Over 3,500 listed stocks
- Uses a hybrid trading model combining electronic and floor trading
- Focuses on large-cap companies

**NASDAQ Stock Market**
- The first fully electronic stock market in the US
- Mainly lists high-tech companies (e.g., Microsoft, Apple)
- Investors trade directly via phone or internet

**American Stock Exchange (AMEX / NYSE American)**
- The third-largest trading market in the US
- Focuses on small and mid-cap stocks
- Unique advantage: offers stock, futures, and derivatives trading simultaneously

## Complete list of US stock market holidays in 2026

In addition to knowing what time the US stock market opens, investors should also be aware of market holidays. Below are the important dates when the US stock market will be closed or close early in 2026:

| **Date** | **Holiday** | **Trading Arrangement** |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Closed |
| January 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Closed |
| February 16 | Washington’s Birthday | Closed |
| April 3 | Good Friday | Closed |
| May 25 | Memorial Day | Closed |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Closed |
| July 3 | Independence Day (observed on Friday) | Closed |
| September 7 | Labor Day | Closed |
| November 26 | Thanksgiving Day | Closed |
| November 27 | Day after Thanksgiving | Closes 3 hours early |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Closes 3 hours early |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Closed |

## Basic rules of US stock trading

- **Trading currency**: USD
- **Trading unit**: 1 share
- **Settlement method**: T+3 (settlement occurs three business days after the transaction)
- **Commission fees**: 1% for manual trading; 0.5%-1% for electronic trading
- **Trading days**: Monday to Friday (excluding the above holidays)

## Other major global stock markets time references

Besides US stocks, Taiwanese investors can also pay attention to other international markets:

| **Exchange** | **Local Trading Hours** | **Corresponding Taiwan Time** |
|---|---|---|
| China A-shares | 9:30-11:30, 13:00-15:00 | 9:30-11:30, 13:00-15:00 |
| Tokyo, Japan | 9:00-11:30, 12:30-15:00 | 8:00-10:30, 11:30-14:00 |
| London, UK | 8:00-16:30 | 16:00-00:30 |
| Hong Kong HKEX | 9:15-16:00 | 9:15-16:00 |
| Toronto, Canada | 9:30-16:00 | 22:30-05:00 |
| Frankfurt, Germany | 8:00-22:00 | 15:00-5:00 |
| Sydney, Australia | 10:00-16:00 | 8:00-14:00 |

Now you have fully mastered the US stock market opening times and the operation rules of various exchanges. Are you ready to start your US stock investment journey?