2026 U.S. Stock Market Holidays and Trading Hours: The Complete Guide for Korean Investors

If you are a Korean investor starting to invest in U.S. stocks, there is something you must know: the U.S. stock market closing days. Due to the time difference between the U.S. and Korea, daylight saving time, and unexpected market holidays, you may miss trading opportunities or have plans disrupted. This article summarizes the 2026 U.S. stock market closing days, trading hours, and regulations, focusing on Korean investors. Practical information is provided with tables for reference.

How Market Holidays Affect Investment Strategies

Why should you know the U.S. market closing days in advance? First, trading is impossible on these days. Second, market sentiment and trading volume can fluctuate sharply before and after holidays. Third, since Korean investors trade mainly during nighttime hours, they may not be aware of market closures in real-time.

In addition to federal holidays, U.S. stock exchanges have their own rules for additional closing days. Especially on weekends, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other U.S. holidays, the markets are closed. Not knowing these dates can disrupt your trading plans and lead to unexpected losses, so preparation is essential.

Trading Hours of the Three Major U.S. Exchanges

The main U.S. stock exchanges are NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX. All three operate on the same trading hours, so there’s no need to worry about differences.

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): Founded on May 17, 1792, it is the oldest and currently the largest in market capitalization worldwide. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion. Major traditional companies like Berkshire Hathaway, Johnson & Johnson, Visa, and Walmart are primarily listed here.

NASDAQ: Established on February 8, 1971, it is relatively young. Originally an over-the-counter market, it grew rapidly to become the second-largest exchange globally. It is known for being home to many tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX): Focuses on mid- and small-cap companies, positioned between the NYSE’s large caps and NASDAQ’s tech stocks.

Complete Analysis of 2026 U.S. Market Trading Hours

U.S. trading hours are based on Eastern Time. Korea is ahead by about 14 hours (without daylight saving) or 13 hours (with daylight saving). Therefore, U.S. mornings correspond to Korea’s nighttime.

Regular Trading Hours:

• Eastern Time: 09:30 ~ 16:00
• Korea Time: 23:30 ~ 06:00 (during daylight saving: 22:30 ~ 05:00)

This is when most trading volume and liquidity occur, with institutional and retail investors active.

Pre-market Trading (Before Official Open):

• Eastern Time: 04:00 ~ 09:30
• Korea Time: 18:00 ~ 23:30 (daylight saving: 17:00 ~ 22:30)

Pre-market allows traders to react quickly to major news or earnings reports before the regular session begins, though volume is lower and spreads wider.

After-hours Trading (After Close):

• Eastern Time: 16:00 ~ 20:00
• Korea Time: Next day 06:00 ~ 10:00 (daylight saving: 05:00 ~ 09:00)

Post-market trading continues after regular hours, reacting to earnings releases and news, with potential for significant price movements.

Complete List of 2026 U.S. Market Holidays

U.S. federal holidays are market holidays. In 2026, the market will be closed on:

Additionally, early closings occur on these days:

On early close days, trading hours are halved, so plan accordingly.

Daylight Saving Time and Trading Hours

Daylight saving runs from the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m. to the first Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m. in 2026, from March 8 to November 1.

During DST, the time difference between Korea and Eastern Time reduces from 14 to 13 hours, making regular trading hours in Korea one hour earlier.

Be especially cautious during weeks when DST starts or ends, as trading hours shift.

Trading Regulations and Settlement Rules

All three exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ, AMEX) trade in USD. Settlement is T+2, meaning two business days after selling, funds are credited to your account.

Unlike Korean markets, there are no price limits (upper/lower bounds). Prices can theoretically surge or plummet multiple times within a day. Since Korean investors trade mainly at night, rapid declines can be hard to respond to immediately, so setting stop-loss orders is crucial.

Comparing Global Market Trading Hours

For investors trading in multiple markets, here’s a quick reference:

Practical Tips for Investors

1. Plan Ahead for Market Holidays: Mark 2026 U.S. market holidays on your calendar and prepare trading strategies accordingly. Consider adjusting long-term positions before holidays.

2. Use Pre-market and After-hours Trading: Pre-market (evening Korea time) allows reacting to news before the market opens; after-hours (morning Korea time) helps respond to post-close movements.

3. Always Set Stop-Loss Orders: Since there are no price limits, sudden drops can cause significant losses. Use stop-loss orders to limit downside risk, especially during night trading.

4. Be Aware of DST Changes: The start and end of daylight saving affect trading hours. Set reminders to avoid missing or misreading trading times.

5. Check Official Exchange Announcements: Regularly verify the latest holiday schedules and trading rules on the official websites to stay updated on any special closures or changes.

Conclusion

Understanding U.S. market holidays, trading hours, and regulations is fundamental for successful overseas stock investing. In 2026, the U.S. stock market will be closed for 10 days, with 3 additional early close days. Considering the time difference, daylight saving, and holiday schedule will help you develop more stable trading strategies.

Market schedules can change annually, so always check official announcements at the start of each year. We hope this guide assists your U.S. stock investment journey.