What time do the US stocks open? Complete guide to trading hours in 2026

For Taiwanese investors, understanding the US stock market opening hours is crucial. The opening times vary due to time zone differences and daylight saving time adjustments. Knowing the correct trading hours can help you better plan your trading strategies. This guide summarizes the 2026 US stock market opening times, corresponding Taiwan local times, and the annual market holiday schedule.

Quick Reference Table for US Stock Market Opening Hours

The US stock market consists of several independent exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). Although each operates independently, most of the time, their trading hours are synchronized.

Trading hours in Eastern Time (ET):

Currently, the US is observing winter time (effective from November 2, 2025), so the regular trading hours translate to 22:30 to 5:00 Taiwan time. This allows Taiwanese investors to trade US stocks in the evening and early morning.

Important Time Conversion for Taiwanese Investors

US stock market hours change with daylight saving time (DST), but Asia does not observe DST, so the time difference shifts periodically. Every year, on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM, the US enters DST (clocks forward 1 hour), and on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, it reverts to standard time (clocks back 1 hour).

US stock trading hours vs. Taiwan local time:

Taiwan investors should pay special attention to DST transition periods, as opening times will shift by one hour earlier or later. It’s recommended to update your trading schedule before the US announces time changes.

Overview of the Three Major US Stock Exchanges

The US stock market is dominated by three major exchanges, each with its own characteristics:

NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) is the largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization, listing over 3,500 securities. Although it has adopted electronic trading, floor trading still plays an important role in price setting and large institutional transactions.

NASDAQ is the world’s first electronic stock exchange, with no physical trading floor. Investors trade directly via phone or internet, and many listed companies are high-tech giants like Microsoft and Apple.

AMEX (now NYSE American) is the third-largest US exchange, focusing on small- and mid-cap stocks. It is also the only exchange that allows trading of stocks, futures, and derivatives simultaneously.

2026 US Stock Market Holiday Schedule

The US stock market closes or shortens trading on federal holidays. Investors should plan ahead to avoid missing trading opportunities:

Practical Tips for Trading US Stocks

Trading costs and rules: US stocks are priced in USD, with a minimum of 1 share per trade. Settlement is T+3 (trade date plus three business days). Fees vary: manual orders cost about 1%, electronic trades around 0.5%-1%.

Using opening hours strategically: Pre-market trading has lower liquidity and is suitable for reacting to specific events; regular hours have the highest liquidity and are preferred by most traders; after-hours trading is good for reacting to news after market close.

For Taiwanese investors, remember that US stock market hours in Taiwan are from 22:30 to 5:00 the next day (winter time), with seasonal adjustments. Setting alerts or using automated trading tools can help execute strategies at optimal times.

Major Global Stock Market Trading Hours

In addition to US stocks, investors can monitor other international markets:

Mastering the US stock market opening hours and holiday schedule is the first step for Taiwanese investors to succeed in trading US stocks. Regularly check your schedule to ensure you don’t miss any trading opportunities.