The Complete Guide to U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2026: Opening and Closing Times and Trading Rules at a Glance

If you are a U.S. stock trader, you need to accurately identify the U.S. stock market holidays in 2026. Unlike Korea, the U.S. stock market closes on multiple dates throughout the year and has early closing days on certain dates. Failing to prepare in advance for market holidays can disrupt your trading plans, so this guide systematically summarizes all holiday schedules and trading hours for 2026.

Overview of U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2026

The U.S. stock market closes in observance of national holidays, Memorial Day, religious observances, and other special days. In 2026, there are a total of 10 market holidays, with 3 additional early closing days. The table below lists the dates and reasons based on U.S. time zones, tailored for Korean investors.

Date (U.S. time) Holiday / Reason Impact on Korea Time
January 1 (Thu) New Year’s Day Closed all day
January 19 (Mon) Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closed all day
February 16 (Mon) Presidents’ Day Closed all day
April 3 (Fri) Good Friday Closed all day
May 25 (Mon) Memorial Day Closed all day
June 19 (Fri) Juneteenth Closed all day
July 3 (Fri) Independence Day Eve Closed all day
September 7 (Mon) Labor Day Closed all day
November 26 (Thu) Thanksgiving Day Closed all day
December 25 (Fri) Christmas Day Closed all day

In addition to market holidays, early closing days are important for planning. On three days each year, the market closes early at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (which is 2:00 AM the next day in Korea).

Early Close Date (U.S.) Reason Closing Time
July 2 (Thu) Day before Independence Day 1:00 PM ET (Next day 2:00 AM Korea)
November 27 (Fri) Day after Thanksgiving 1:00 PM ET (Next day 2:00 AM Korea)
December 24 (Thu) Christmas Eve 1:00 PM ET (Next day 2:00 AM Korea)

Trading Hours of NYSE, NASDAQ, and American Stock Exchange

The three major U.S. exchanges operate on the same schedule, sharing trading hours. The NYSE, established in 1792, is the world’s largest exchange. NASDAQ mainly lists tech companies, while the AMEX focuses on mid- and small-cap firms.

All three trade in U.S. dollars and follow the schedule below based on Eastern Time:

Trading Session Eastern Time Korea Standard Time (Standard) Korea Standard Time (Daylight Saving)
Pre-market 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Regular Market 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM 9:30 PM – 4:00 AM
After-hours 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (next day) 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM (next day)

Pre-market and after-hours trading have lower volume and higher volatility, so Korean investors should consider these factors carefully.

Daylight Saving Time and Its Impact on Korean Time: Essential for U.S. Stock Traders

U.S. daylight saving time (DST) runs from the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM to the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM. In 2026, DST begins on March 8 and ends on November 1. During this period, the time difference between Korea and the U.S. is reduced by one hour.

When planning trades around holidays and DST, be aware that, for example, on July 3 (Independence Day), the market operates during DST, shifting regular hours to 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM Korea time. Always verify whether DST is in effect before trading.

Additionally, U.S. exchanges do not impose daily price limits (limit up/down), unlike some Asian markets. Sudden market swings require immediate response, and since the U.S. market is open during Korea’s night hours, risk management is crucial.

Trading Strategies During U.S. Market Holidays: Pre-Planning Checklist

To make effective use of 2026 U.S. market holidays, advance planning is essential. Traders should review the following checklist:

Before the Holiday:

  • Review current U.S. stock holdings one week prior
  • Check upcoming economic data releases and news
  • Develop monitoring plans for global news during the holiday period
  • Decide on after-hours trading on the eve of holidays

During the Holiday:

  • Analyze international indices and economic news
  • Review charts and technical indicators
  • Adjust or formulate new trading strategies
  • Explore opportunities in other global markets

If many U.S. market holidays occur, consider alternative trading opportunities on other exchanges such as Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong.

U.S. Stock Market Regulations and Cautions

The U.S. stock market follows these key rules:

Settlement Rules: All trades settle in T+2 days. For example, a purchase on Monday settles Wednesday; a Friday trade settles Tuesday next week. When holidays fall within this period, settlement dates shift accordingly. For instance, if Christmas (Dec 25) is a holiday on Thursday, trades executed Wednesday settle on the following Monday.

Trading Units and Fees: Stocks are traded in whole shares. Fees vary by broker; many online brokers now offer commission-free trading, but currency conversion and management fees may apply.

Comparing Global Markets: Trading Hours of Major Countries

For investors diversifying globally, here are the trading hours of major exchanges:

Exchange Local Time Korea Time Notes
Korea Exchange (KRX) 09:00–15:30 09:00–15:30 -
Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) 09:00–15:00 10:00–16:00 Lunch break 11:30–12:30
London Stock Exchange (LSE) 08:00–16:30 17:00–01:30 (Standard) DST shifts to 16:00–00:30
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) 09:30–16:00 10:30–17:00 Lunch break 12:00–13:00
Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) 09:30–15:00 10:30–16:00 Lunch break 11:30–13:00

Korean investors can leverage after-hours trading to respond to global market movements, especially on U.S. market holidays when other markets like London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong may react to international news.

Conclusion: Effective Planning for 2026 U.S. Market Holidays

By familiarizing yourself with the 2026 U.S. stock market holiday schedule, you can develop more structured trading plans. Considering holidays, daylight saving time, early closes, and settlement rules comprehensively will help achieve better investment results.

Always check official exchange websites for the latest updates, as regulations and schedules may change. Properly utilizing market holidays and global market opportunities can lead to more profitable trading strategies.

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