For investors looking to expand their portfolios globally, the US stock market offers vast opportunities. However, understanding US stock market trading hours is crucial for maximizing returns and reacting swiftly to market-moving news. Whether you're based in Hong Kong or another part of Asia, knowing when the market opens and closes—both in local and Eastern Time—is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about US market hours, including pre-market, regular session, after-hours, and night trading times, as well as key market holidays.
Core US Stock Market Trading Hours
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq operate under a structured schedule that follows the Monday-to-Friday rhythm, with no midday break—unlike some Asian exchanges.
Regular Trading Session
The standard trading window for US equities is:
- 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
This applies to both the NYSE and Nasdaq. Unlike markets such as Hong Kong’s, which pause for lunch, the US market runs continuously through the day.
👉 Discover how global investors stay active during US market hours.
However, due to daylight saving changes in the United States, the corresponding Hong Kong time shifts between summer and winter:
| Session | US Eastern Time | Hong Kong Time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (March – November) | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 9:30 PM – 4:00 AM (next day) |
| Winter (November – March) | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 10:30 PM – 5:00 AM (next day) |
This means that during summer months, the US market opens at 9:30 PM Hong Kong time, making it accessible for evening traders. In winter, the opening shifts to 10:30 PM, requiring slightly later nights for real-time participation.
Pre-Market and After-Hours Trading Explained
Beyond regular trading hours, investors can access extended sessions—pre-market and after-hours trading—offering flexibility to react to news outside standard windows.
Why Do Extended Hours Exist?
Major financial events—earnings reports, economic data releases, geopolitical developments—often occur outside normal trading hours. Extended sessions allow traders to respond immediately rather than waiting until the next market open.
Benefits:
- React quickly to breaking news
- Lock in profits or limit losses after-hours
- Enhanced price discovery through continuous trading
Risks:
- Lower liquidity increases bid-ask spreads
- Higher volatility may lead to slippage
- Not all brokers support extended-hour trading
Extended Trading Hours Schedule
| Session | US Eastern Time | Hong Kong Time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Pre-Market | 4:00 AM – 9:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Summer After-Hours | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM (next day) |
| Winter Pre-Market | 5:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Winter After-Hours | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (next day) |
Note: On half-day trading days (e.g., Black Friday), after-hours trading may end earlier.
What Is US Night Market Trading?
While not officially labeled "night trading," the period overlapping with Asian business hours—particularly Sunday evening through Thursday morning in the US—is often referred to as the US night session by overseas investors.
This session effectively covers:
- Sunday 8:00 PM – Thursday 4:00 AM Hong Kong time
- Corresponds with Sunday 20:00 – Thursday 04:00 ET
During this time, certain electronic communication networks (ECNs) and platforms facilitate trading, though volume remains significantly lower than in regular hours.
👉 Learn how to strategize trades across time zones efficiently.
Key Considerations for Night Trading
- Limited liquidity increases execution risk
- Price gaps are common due to low order depth
- Ideal for long-term investors placing limit orders rather than active day traders
Despite challenges, night trading enables Asian-based investors to initiate positions ahead of US market opens or adjust portfolios based on overnight developments.
US Stock Market Holidays in 2025
Like any major exchange, the US market observes several public holidays each year when trading is fully or partially suspended.
Here's the full list of market closures and early closes for 2025:
- January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day – Closed
- January 20 (Monday) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Closed
- February 17 (Monday) – Presidents’ Day – Closed
- April 18 (Friday) – Good Friday – Closed
- May 26 (Monday) – Memorial Day – Closed
- June 19 (Thursday) – Juneteenth National Independence Day – Closed
- July 4 (Friday) – Independence Day – Closed
- September 1 (Monday) – Labor Day – Closed
- November 27 (Thursday) – Thanksgiving Day – Closed
- November 28 (Friday) – Black Friday (Early Close) – Closes at 1:00 PM ET
- December 24 (Wednesday) – Christmas Eve (Early Close) – Closes at 1:00 PM ET
- December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day – Closed
💡 Tip: Always verify holiday schedules with your broker or financial platform, as some may restrict access even during partial trading days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the main US stock exchanges?
The two primary exchanges are the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq. Both follow identical trading hours and holiday calendars.
Q2: Can I trade US stocks from Hong Kong?
Yes. Many international brokers offer access to US markets. Just ensure your platform supports extended-hours trading if you plan to trade outside regular sessions.
Q3: Is after-hours trading safe for beginners?
It carries higher risks due to lower liquidity and wider spreads. Beginners should start with small positions and use limit orders to avoid unfavorable fills.
Q4: How does daylight saving affect trading times?
Daylight saving begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. During this period, Hong Kong time is 12 hours ahead of ET instead of 13, shifting all trading windows earlier by one hour locally.
Q5: Are options traded during pre-market or after-hours?
Most options do not trade during extended hours. Only select securities with high liquidity may have limited options availability outside regular sessions.
Q6: Why does the market close early on some holidays?
Early closures—such as on Thanksgiving Eve or Christmas Eve—are designed to allow traders and institutions to wind down operations before long weekends.
Strategic Tips for Global Investors
Understanding US stock market opening times isn’t just about clock-watching—it’s about aligning your investment strategy with market dynamics. Here are a few actionable insights:
- Monitor earnings announcements released after market close—they often drive pre-market movement.
- Use after-hours sessions to exit positions following negative news without waiting overnight.
- Avoid placing market orders during low-volume periods; stick to limit orders.
- Schedule alerts for major US economic data releases (e.g., Non-Farm Payrolls, CPI), which often trigger volatility at market open.
👉 Stay ahead with tools that help track real-time market movements across time zones.
By mastering the nuances of US market hours, including seasonal shifts and extended sessions, investors gain a strategic edge. Whether you're a part-time trader in Asia or a full-time portfolio manager, timing is everything—and knowledge is power.