Essential Information Every U.S. Stock Investor Must Know
If you are investing in U.S. stocks, it is essential to understand the market’s operating hours, holiday schedule, and trading rules accurately. Especially since the U.S. observes daylight saving time and has a significant time difference with Korea, not knowing the exact trading hours can disrupt your investment plans. Fortunately, this article systematically organizes all information about the U.S. stock market. You can find details from the characteristics of major exchanges to holiday dates in 2025 and trading regulations at a glance, all arranged in a table format for easy reference.
Understanding the Three Major U.S. Stock Exchanges at a Glance
Let’s take a look at the three main exchanges that make up the U.S. stock market.
New York Stock Exchange(NYSE): The world’s leading stock exchange
Founded on May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest in the world by market capitalization due to its long history. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion. Traditional large corporations such as Berkshire Hathaway(BRK.A), Johnson & Johnson(JNJ), Visa(V), and Walmart(WMT) are mainly listed here.
NASDAQ(NASDAQ): The hub of IT companies
Established on February 8, 1971, NASDAQ started as an over-the-counter market and quickly grew into an organized exchange. It is currently the second-largest exchange in the world, with a focus on IT companies. You can find global tech giants like Apple(AAPL), Microsoft(MSFT), and NVIDIA(NVDA).
American Stock Exchange(AMEX): Gateway for small and medium-sized enterprises
One of the three major U.S. exchanges, the American Stock Exchange primarily lists mid-sized and small companies, differentiating itself from the NYSE, which mainly features large corporations.
Complete Guide to U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2025
Like Korea, the U.S. stock market closes on major holidays. It is important to check the holiday schedule in advance to plan your trading effectively.
Date
Holiday Reason
January 1 (Wed)
New Year’s Day
January 9 (Thu)
In Memory of Former President Jimmy Carter
January 20 (Mon)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 17 (Mon)
Presidents’ Day
April 18 (Fri)
Good Friday
May 26 (Mon)
Memorial Day
June 19 (Thu)
Juneteenth Day
July 4 (Fri)
Independence Day
September 1 (Mon)
Labor Day
November 27 (Thu)
Thanksgiving Day
December 25 (Thu)
Christmas Day
Additionally, on the day before Independence Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, the market closes early at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Date
Early Close Reason & Time
July 3 (Thu)
Day before Independence Day - 2:00 AM Korea Time
November 28 (Fri)
Day after Thanksgiving - 3:00 AM Korea Time
December 24 (Wed)
Christmas Eve - 3:00 AM Korea Time
Detailed Analysis of U.S. Stock Market Trading Hours and Regulations
The trading hours for NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX are the same. However, they change according to Korea time, and during daylight saving time(from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November), trading hours are moved forward by one hour.
All three exchanges trade in U.S. dollars(USD), with settlement completed two business days later. An important point is that the U.S. stock market does not have a price limit system like Korea. Since trading occurs overnight in Korea time, rapid declines may be difficult to respond to quickly, so consider this when developing your trading strategy.
Category
NYSE
NASDAQ
AMEX
Regular Trading Hours
09:30~16:00 ET / 23:30~06:00 KST(22:30~05:00)*
09:30~16:00 ET / 23:30~06:00 KST(22:30~05:00)*
09:30~16:00 ET / 23:30~06:00 KST(22:30~05:00)*
Pre-market
04:00~09:30 ET / 18:00~23:30 KST(17:00~22:30)*
04:00~09:30 ET / 18:00~23:30 KST(17:00~22:30)*
04:00~09:30 ET / 18:00~23:30 KST(17:00~22:30)*
After-hours
16:00~20:00 ET / Next day 06:00~10:00 KST(05:00~09:00)*
16:00~20:00 ET / Next day 06:00~10:00 KST(05:00~09:00)*
16:00~20:00 ET / Next day 06:00~10:00 KST(05:00~09:00)*
Trading Currency
U.S. Dollar(USD)
U.S. Dollar(USD)
U.S. Dollar(USD)
Trading Unit
1 share
1 share
1 share
Price Limit
None
None
None
Settlement Day
2 business days
2 business days
2 business days
*During daylight saving time
Comparison of Trading Hours on Major Global Exchanges
For those trading stocks in various countries besides the U.S., here is a summary of international exchange hours. The London Stock Exchange observes daylight saving time, and the Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai exchanges have lunch break closures.
Exchange
Local Time
Korea Time
Korea Exchange
09:00~15:30
09:00~15:30
Tokyo Stock Exchange
09:00~15:00 (11:30~12:30 Lunch Break)
10:00~16:00 (12:30~13:30 Lunch Break)
London Stock Exchange
08:00~16:30
17:00~01:30 (16:00~00:30)*
Hong Kong Stock Exchange
09:30~16:00 (12:00~13:00 Lunch Break)
10:30~17:00 (13:00~14:00 Lunch Break)
Shanghai Stock Exchange
09:30~15:00 (11:30~13:00 Lunch Break)
10:30~16:00 (12:30~14:00 Lunch Break)
*During daylight saving time
Final Tips for Successful Trading
Accurately understanding the trading hours, holidays, and regulations of the U.S. stock market is fundamental to successful investing. Knowing the trading hours allows you to plan your trades efficiently, and being aware of holidays in advance can prevent unexpected losses.
Since exchange regulations and hours can change, always check the latest information. We hope this article helps you make wise investment decisions.
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2025 US Stock Market Complete Guide: Holidays, Trading Hours, and Market Regulations at a Glance
Essential Information Every U.S. Stock Investor Must Know
If you are investing in U.S. stocks, it is essential to understand the market’s operating hours, holiday schedule, and trading rules accurately. Especially since the U.S. observes daylight saving time and has a significant time difference with Korea, not knowing the exact trading hours can disrupt your investment plans. Fortunately, this article systematically organizes all information about the U.S. stock market. You can find details from the characteristics of major exchanges to holiday dates in 2025 and trading regulations at a glance, all arranged in a table format for easy reference.
Understanding the Three Major U.S. Stock Exchanges at a Glance
Let’s take a look at the three main exchanges that make up the U.S. stock market.
New York Stock Exchange(NYSE): The world’s leading stock exchange
Founded on May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is the largest in the world by market capitalization due to its long history. About 2,400 companies are listed, with a total market cap of approximately $23 trillion. Traditional large corporations such as Berkshire Hathaway(BRK.A), Johnson & Johnson(JNJ), Visa(V), and Walmart(WMT) are mainly listed here.
NASDAQ(NASDAQ): The hub of IT companies
Established on February 8, 1971, NASDAQ started as an over-the-counter market and quickly grew into an organized exchange. It is currently the second-largest exchange in the world, with a focus on IT companies. You can find global tech giants like Apple(AAPL), Microsoft(MSFT), and NVIDIA(NVDA).
American Stock Exchange(AMEX): Gateway for small and medium-sized enterprises
One of the three major U.S. exchanges, the American Stock Exchange primarily lists mid-sized and small companies, differentiating itself from the NYSE, which mainly features large corporations.
Complete Guide to U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2025
Like Korea, the U.S. stock market closes on major holidays. It is important to check the holiday schedule in advance to plan your trading effectively.
Additionally, on the day before Independence Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, the market closes early at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Detailed Analysis of U.S. Stock Market Trading Hours and Regulations
The trading hours for NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX are the same. However, they change according to Korea time, and during daylight saving time(from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November), trading hours are moved forward by one hour.
All three exchanges trade in U.S. dollars(USD), with settlement completed two business days later. An important point is that the U.S. stock market does not have a price limit system like Korea. Since trading occurs overnight in Korea time, rapid declines may be difficult to respond to quickly, so consider this when developing your trading strategy.
*During daylight saving time
Comparison of Trading Hours on Major Global Exchanges
For those trading stocks in various countries besides the U.S., here is a summary of international exchange hours. The London Stock Exchange observes daylight saving time, and the Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai exchanges have lunch break closures.
*During daylight saving time
Final Tips for Successful Trading
Accurately understanding the trading hours, holidays, and regulations of the U.S. stock market is fundamental to successful investing. Knowing the trading hours allows you to plan your trades efficiently, and being aware of holidays in advance can prevent unexpected losses.
Since exchange regulations and hours can change, always check the latest information. We hope this article helps you make wise investment decisions.