Today’s U.S. stock market trading hours complete guide: 2025 opening and closing times and holiday information

Basic Structure of the U.S. Stock Market

If you are planning to enter the U.S. stock market today, you must first understand the trading hours and holiday schedule accurately. The U.S. observes daylight saving time, and the time difference with Korea is significant, so overlooking this can disrupt your trading plans. Fortunately, an environment has been created where individual investors in Korea can easily access U.S. stocks, so by familiarizing yourself with the correct times and regulations, you can trade efficiently.

Before understanding the trading hours of the U.S. stock market, it is important to grasp the characteristics of the major stock exchanges. Each exchange has different company profiles and market capitalization sizes, allowing you to diversify your investment portfolio.

New York Stock Exchange(NYSE)

The New York Stock Exchange was established on May 17, 1792, and has a history of over 230 years. It is the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization, attracting global investors. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion.

This exchange mainly lists large companies from traditional industries, including global giants like Berkshire Hathaway(BRK.A), Johnson & Johnson(JNJ), Visa(V), and Walmart(WMT). These companies are trusted by investors for their stable dividends and long-term growth potential.

NASDAQ Stock Market(NASDAQ)

NASDAQ, established on February 8, 1971, is a relatively newer exchange. It started as an over-the-counter market but quickly gained formal exchange status due to rapid growth. It is the second-largest exchange in the world by market cap and is known as the hub for IT and technology companies.

Innovative companies like Apple(AAPL), Microsoft(MSFT), and Nvidia(NVDA) are mainly listed here, making it popular among investors seeking growth stocks. The NASDAQ index is also used as an indicator of the health of the tech industry.

American Stock Exchange(AMEX)

The American Stock Exchange is one of the three major U.S. exchanges. While the NYSE hosts large corporations and NASDAQ focuses on growth companies, AMEX mainly lists mid-sized and small companies. It offers various investment opportunities for investors considering small and medium-sized enterprises.

Regular Trading Hours and Regulations of the U.S. Stock Market

Today’s U.S. Market Trading Hours

The regular trading hours for the three major exchanges(NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX) are all the same. Trading occurs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Converted to Korean time, without daylight saving time, it is from 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and with daylight saving time(from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November), it is from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next day. This means Korean investors can trade U.S. stocks from evening to early morning.

( Pre-market and After-hours Trading

In addition to regular hours, pre-market)Pre-market### and after-market(After-market) trading are available.

Pre-market hours: 4:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST(Korean time: 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., during daylight saving time)from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.(

After-market hours: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST)Korean time: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., during daylight saving time(from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)

Note that liquidity during pre-market and after-market hours is lower than during regular hours, so caution is advised.

Trading Regulations and Features

An important point is that the U.S. stock market does not have price fluctuation limits like Korea. This means large gains or losses can occur during major news events, so setting stop-loss orders for risk management is crucial.

2025 U.S. Market Holiday Schedule

The U.S. stock market also closes on holidays and certain commemorative days. It is essential to check the holiday schedule in advance for effective trading planning.

Early Close Days

On certain days, the market closes early.

Comparison of Major Global Stock Exchange Trading Hours

For investors interested in trading markets beyond the U.S., here is a summary of trading hours for major exchanges in Korea, Japan, the UK, China, and Hong Kong.

Diversifying investments across multiple markets allows for 24-hour global portfolio management by adjusting trading times accordingly.

Precautions When Trading U.S. Stocks

Impact of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time in the U.S. runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. During this period, the time difference with Korea shifts from 13 to 14 hours, so trading hours should be re-verified.

No Price Limit

Unlike Korea, U.S. stocks have no price fluctuation limits. Major news can cause rapid price swings, so setting stop-loss orders in advance is important for risk control.

Liquidity Differences

Pre-market and after-market trading outside regular hours generally have lower trading volume, which can lead to wider bid-ask spreads. Small-cap stocks may be difficult to execute, so caution is necessary.

Conclusion

To invest in the U.S. stock market today, accurate trading hours and holiday information are essential. The three major exchanges(NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX) operate on the same schedule, allowing Korean investors to trade from evening to early morning.

Depending on daylight saving time, trading hours may change, and holidays or early close days exist, so always checking the latest information is crucial. Also, consider the absence of price limits and different settlement rules to manage risks effectively.

With this information, establishing a systematic trading plan will enable more stable and efficient U.S. stock investments.