Complete Guide to US Stock Market Opening Hours: From Regular Trading to Pre-market and After-hours Trading

Latest Update: 2025 US Stock Market Trading Hours Adjustment

The United States began daylight saving time on March 9, 2025. The current regular trading hours are from 21:30 to 4:00 the next day Beijing time. NYSE Arca, a subsidiary of the New York Stock Exchange, is applying to extend electronic trading hours, proposing a trading window of up to 22 hours each trading day, pending regulatory approval.

Basic Knowledge of the US Stock Market

The US securities market consists of multiple independent exchanges, with the NYSE, NASDAQ, and American Stock Exchange (AMEX) being the three main players. Although each exchange is independently managed, their open hours are mostly synchronized.

Overview of the Three Major US Stock Exchanges

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

As the world’s largest stock exchange, NYSE was founded in 1792. It primarily features electronic trading now, but floor trading still plays an important role in block trades by institutions. Based on total market capitalization of listed securities, it ranks first in the world.

NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ)

The second-largest securities exchange globally and the first fully electronic securities market in the world. Investors can trade directly via phone or internet without restrictions of a trading floor. Many listed companies are high-tech giants like Microsoft and Apple.

American Stock Exchange (AMEX)

Ranking third among US stock markets, its trading model is similar to NYSE but focuses on small and mid-cap stocks. Its unique feature is supporting simultaneous trading of stocks, futures, and derivatives.

Detailed US Stock Market Opening Times

Eastern Time (Standard Time)

Core Trading Rules Overview

• Trading Currency: USD
• Minimum Trading Unit: 1 share
• Settlement Cycle: T+3 (settlement on the third business day after trade)
• Fees: Manual order 1%, electronic trading 0.5%-1%

Essential Guide for Chinese Investors: Time Difference Conversion

Due to daylight saving time and standard time in the US, and China’s year-round unified time zone, Asian investors need to pay attention to these changes.

Time System Explanation

Daylight saving time in the US starts at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November, advancing clocks by 1 hour. Standard time begins at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday in November and ends at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March, setting clocks back by 1 hour.

Note that different states may have different regulations, but New York State, where NYSE is located, strictly follows federal standards.

US Stock Market Opening Times Corresponding to Beijing Time

2025 US Stock Market Holiday Calendar

Investors should confirm holiday schedules in advance. Below are key holidays when the US stock market is closed or closes early:

Major Global Stock Market Trading Hours (Beijing Time Reference)

Besides US stocks, the opening hours of other major global stock markets are as follows:

Summary

Mastering US stock market opening times and time zone conversions is fundamental for Chinese investors participating in US stocks. Remember the switch points for daylight saving time, pay attention to important holiday closures, and plan your trading strategies accordingly. While regular trading hours are relatively fixed, seasonal time differences require investors to stay alert to avoid missing key trading windows.