What time does the stock market open? This may seem like a simple question, but there’s much more to it. In addition, it’s important for new investors to have a complete understanding of the stock market in the United States.

What Time Does the Stock Market Open in the United States?

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq are the two most prominent stock exchanges in America. In fact, both exchanges are located in New York City. And the NYSE is the largest exchange in the world.

So, what time does the stock market open each day? Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq officially open at 9:30 a.m. EST on a Monday through Friday basis. Both exchanges close each day at 4 p.m. EST.

However, you must also consider there are nine federal holidays in which the stock market is closed. For example, this includes:

• New Year’s Day on January 1, if the holiday falls on a weekday
• Martin Luther King Day in January
• Washington’s Birthday/Presidents Day in February
• Good Friday in April
• Memorial Day in May
• Independence Day in July
• Labor Day in September
• Thanksgiving Day in November
• Christmas Day on December 25

If Christmas happens to fall on the weekend, the holiday will be observed on the Friday before or the Monday after. In 2021, the market will be closed on Friday, December 24th. In 2022, it will be observed on Monday, December 26th.

Pre-Market and Post-Market Trading

No matter what time the stock market is open, you can still make trades during pre- and post-market sessions.

The NYSE and Nasdaq both offer extended-hours trading each and every day. The NYSE offers pre-market trading from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EST. Its post-market session begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. EST.

The Nasdaq’s pre-market trading begins at 4 a.m. until open at 9:30 a.m. EST. Post-market trading, however, runs during the same hours as the NYSE from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST. It’s also important to note that neither exchange allows trading during the weekends.

Any trades made before opening will enter a queue. These orders can remain in that queue until the market open at 9:30 a.m. EST on that specific day. The same goes for post-market trading. Any orders made after closing can remain in a queue until the stock market opens the next morning.

Furthermore, market volatility is higher when trading outside of market hours. And there is no guarantee that your order will be filled. This is why it’s so important to review all rules and guidelines before buying or selling stock outside of normal business hours.

This is also a factor for international markets. Therefore, what time does the stock market open in other countries?

Stock Market Hours Outside of U.S.

The NYSE and Nasdaq may be the most popular and well-known exchanges in the world. But they’re many other exchanges to consider.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan is the largest stock market outside the U.S. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) before it closes for lunch. It reopens at 12:30 p.m. and closes again at 4 p.m. each day. Moreover, the exchange in Tokyo closes for 22 holidays each year.

Other major exchanges include Euronext, the London Stock Exchange, the SIX Swiss Exchange and the Shanghai Stock exchange.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange is China’s largest stock market. It opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. (China Standard Time). It’s also closed for 15 holidays each year.

The London Stock Exchange is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Greenwich Mean Time or British Summer Time). This popular stock market in England is closed for eight holidays each year.

And the Swiss SIX Exchange in Zurich opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. (Central European Time). It’s closed for 12 holidays.

Euronext is a major exchange headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. (Central European Time) and is closed for six holidays. Euronext also modifies its hours for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Now You Know: What Time Does the Stock Market Open?

Now you know that each of the various exchanges open and close at different times throughout the world. And that presents you with a seemingly never-ending list of investment opportunities to consider.

For gaining a further understand of the stock market, sign up for the Investment U e-letter below. Our daily e-letter provides stock market insights, trends and investment education.

What time does the stock market open where you live? Give yourself the best chance to build a better portfolio, no matter what time of day you decide to begin trading.