2025-2026 US Stock Trading Hours Complete Guide: Master the Market Holidays to Avoid Pitfalls

Stock trading in the US involves numerous details, especially regarding the switch between summer and winter time and changes in market holidays, which can easily trip up Asian investors. This article compiles complete trading rules, time conversion tables, and holiday schedules to help you plan your investment strategies with ease.

1. Quick Overview of Basic US Stock Trading Rules

The US stock market operates independently through three major exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). Although each exchange operates independently, their opening hours are generally synchronized.

Main US Stock Trading Hours (Eastern Time):

Trading units are 1 share, trading currency is USD, with fees typically around 1% for manual trading or 0.5%-1% for electronic trading.

2. Time Difference for Taiwanese Investors

Important Reminder: The US observes daylight saving time, while Taiwan does not adjust throughout the year, meaning trading hours change seasonally.

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

Corresponding US Regular Trading Hours to Taiwan Local Time:

Currently, the US is in standard time, so Taiwanese investors should note that regular trading is from 22:30 to 05:00 the next day.

3. 2025 US Stock Market Holiday Schedule

Stock exchanges close on statutory holidays or close early. Major US holidays impact trading, so investors should plan ahead.

2025 US Stock Market Holiday Calendar:

4. 2026 US Stock Market Holiday Schedule

Plan your investments early next year to avoid losses caused by holiday trading interruptions.

2026 US Stock Market Holiday Calendar:

5. Details of the Three Major US Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

As the world’s largest stock exchange, NYSE ranks first globally by market capitalization, listing over 3,500 stocks. Although electronic trading has been adopted, floor trading still plays an important role in pricing and handling large institutional trades, reflecting its market stability.

NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ)

NASDAQ is the world’s first electronic securities market. Unlike NYSE, which combines electronic and floor trading, NASDAQ operates entirely electronically, with investors trading directly via phone or online. It hosts many high-tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, making it a hub for tech stocks.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX)

AMEX is the third-largest US trading market, mainly for small- and mid-cap stocks. It is the only exchange that can trade stocks, futures, and derivatives simultaneously. After merging with NYSE in 2008, it was renamed NYSE American.

6. Major Global Stock Market Opening and Closing Times (Reference)

Understanding the trading hours of other global markets helps in formulating a comprehensive investment strategy.

Investment Tip: Mastering the trading hours and holiday schedules of US and global markets is key to effective planning and risk avoidance. Always check whether the market is closed on the day before placing orders to ensure smooth execution.