2026 US Stock Market Opening Hours: A Complete Guide for Taiwanese Investors

For Taiwanese investors, understanding the US stock market opening hours is the first step toward successful trading. Although the US stock market is far away, electronic trading has made it easy for Taiwanese investors to participate. However, the market hours are not fixed; they adjust due to seasonal time changes, which can pose challenges for Taiwanese traders. This article provides the latest 2026 US stock market schedule, corresponding Taiwan times, and holiday arrangements to help you seamlessly connect with US trading.

US Stock Market Opening Hours and Trading Rules — Three Major Exchanges Operate Simultaneously

The US stock market mainly consists of three independent exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). While each operates independently, most of the time, their opening and closing times are synchronized.

US stock market hours follow these rules (Eastern Time):

• Regular Trading Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Pre-market Trading: Monday to Friday 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM
• After-hours Trading: Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Note that pre-market and after-hours trading have lower liquidity and wider spreads. Professional investors typically conduct main operations during regular hours.

In terms of trading rules, US stocks are priced in USD, with a trading unit of 1 share. Commission fees are usually around 1% for manual trading or 0.5%-1% for electronic trading, with a T+3 settlement cycle.

Quick Reference for Taiwan Time: Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time

This is the most common mistake for Taiwanese investors. US market hours change with daylight saving time (DST), but Taiwan does not adjust clocks throughout the year, so special attention is needed.

The US adjusts clocks twice a year:

• 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)

As of now, the US has entered Standard Time since November 2025, which will continue until mid-March 2026.

US market hours in Taiwan local time:

Practical tip: During Standard Time, regular trading hours are from 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM Taiwan time, allowing traders to operate after work hours. When DST begins, Taiwan time shifts forward by 1 hour, making trading hours from 9:30 PM to 4:00 AM.

Complete List of US Stock Market Holidays in 2026

The US exchanges are closed or have early closing on certain holidays. Taiwanese investors should plan ahead. Here are the full dates when the US stock market will be closed in 2026:

Note: Some holidays are not full closures but early closes. For example, on Nov 27 and Dec 24, trading ends 3 hours earlier. Set calendar reminders to avoid placing orders during early close periods.

Overview of Major US Exchanges

When choosing a US stock broker, investors should understand each exchange’s characteristics to grasp liquidity and pricing mechanisms.

NYSE (New York Stock Exchange)

Based on market capitalization, NYSE is the largest stock exchange globally, listing over 3,500 companies. It combines electronic systems with floor trading, where floor traders still play a role in large block trades and price discovery. Many blue-chip and well-known companies are listed here.

NASDAQ

The first fully electronic exchange worldwide, with no physical trading floor. Trades are conducted via network connections. Known for tech giants like Microsoft and Apple, NASDAQ has lower listing requirements, attracting many growth companies.

AMEX / NYSE American

The third-largest US exchange, mainly trading small- and mid-cap stocks. After being acquired by NYSE in 2008, it was renamed NYSE American. It also offers trading in stocks, futures, and derivatives.

Global Stock Market Opening Hours Comparison

Besides US stocks, many Taiwanese investors follow other major global markets. Here’s a summary of opening hours and Taiwan local times for key exchanges:

This comparison shows that Taiwanese investors trading US and Asian stocks operate at different times. Asian markets (China, Japan, Hong Kong) are open during Taiwan’s working hours, while US markets are active in the evening and early morning Taiwan time. Adjust your schedule accordingly.

Practical Tips for Taiwanese Investors

Once you understand US market hours, consider these tips to improve your trading experience:

1. Set Calendar Reminders: Mark the dates of daylight saving time changes and market holidays to avoid accidental orders during closures.

2. Focus on Liquidity Hours: The regular trading session (10:30 PM – 5:00 AM Taiwan time) offers the best liquidity and narrowest spreads, ideal for main trading activities.

3. Evaluate Pre-market and After-hours Trading: These sessions have lower liquidity and wider spreads, suitable for experienced traders. Use cautiously if you’re a beginner.

4. Adjust for Time Differences: Regularly modify your schedule or use automated trading tools to align with US trading hours.

Understanding the detailed schedule for 2026 is fundamental to participating successfully in US markets. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, regularly reviewing these timings and holiday dates will help you avoid mistakes and seize more opportunities.