Complete Schedule of U.S. Holidays and Stock Market Trading Hours in 2026

If you’re investing in U.S. stocks, you need to know the exact U.S. market holiday schedule and trading hours. Especially because of the significant time difference between Korea and the U.S. and daylight saving time, many traders miss the optimal trading window. This guide summarizes everything from the 2026 U.S. holiday schedule, daily trading hours, to investment strategies based on Korean time.

Are the trading hours the same across the three exchanges?

The major U.S. stock exchanges are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). Many investors think each exchange has different hours, but in reality, they operate during the same trading hours.

The NYSE, established in 1792, is the largest exchange in the world, listing about 2,400 companies with a market cap of $23 trillion. It mainly trades traditional large-cap companies like Walmart, Visa, and Johnson & Johnson.

NASDAQ, founded in 1971, is relatively newer but has grown rapidly, especially in tech. It lists many tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.

The AMEX focuses on mid- and small-cap companies, providing a platform for emerging firms.

When does the U.S. stock market open and close? Comparing regular, pre-market, and after-hours trading times

The U.S. stock market trading is divided into three sessions:

Regular Trading Hours are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. In Korea, this is 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM (or 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM during daylight saving time). This period has the highest trading volume and volatility.

Pre-Market runs from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM ET. In Korea, 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM (or 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM DST). Trading volume is lower, and spreads may widen.

After-Hours Trading is from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET. In Korea, 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (or 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM DST). Liquidity is limited after market close.

Daylight saving time runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, shifting trading hours one hour earlier during this period.

2026 U.S. Market Holidays: Essential info for planning investments

The U.S. stock market also closes on certain holidays, similar to Korea. The 2026 holiday schedule is:

Additionally, early market close days are on July 2 (day before Independence Day), Nov 27 (day after Thanksgiving), and Dec 24 (Christmas Eve), when the market closes at 1:00 PM ET (2:00 AM Korea time).

Checking this schedule in advance helps you adjust your positions accordingly.

When should Korean investors trade on U.S. markets?

The most confusing part for Korean investors is the time zone. The regular trading hours (11:30 PM–6:00 AM) are night trading.

Advantages of night trading:

• Trade after Korea’s market closes
• Reflect U.S. news and market conditions from midnight to early morning

Risks of night trading:

• Difficult to respond quickly to sharp declines (Korea has price limits, but U.S. markets do not)
• Sleep deprivation affecting judgment
• Lower liquidity in pre-market and after-hours sessions

Pre-market trading from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM Korea time has lower liquidity, so caution is advised.

Trading rules: Key points to know

When trading U.S. stocks, keep these in mind:

• Trading currency: Only USD. Exchange rate fluctuations affect profits.
• Trade units: Can buy in single shares; not limited to 100 shares like in Korea.
• Price limits: None. U.S. markets have no daily price caps, so sharp moves are possible.
• Settlement period: T+2 (trade date plus two business days). Orders may not be canceled or modified during this time.
• Fees: Vary by broker. Check beforehand.

Overview of major global stock exchanges

If you trade stocks from other countries, compare their trading hours:

Checklist for successful U.S. stock trading

1. Check U.S. holiday schedule: Mark 2026 holidays on your calendar.
2. Know the local time: Be aware of daylight saving time changes.
3. Choose optimal trading hours: Use the most liquid regular hours.
4. Manage time difference: Prepare for sleep deprivation during night trading.
5. Monitor news: Check economic indicators and company news before the market opens.

Accurate time zone understanding and knowing the holiday schedule are the first steps to successful investing. Always stay alert to seasonal time changes and trade wisely!