The Stock Market: What time does it open and close?

The opening and closing times for global stock market exchanges differ due to the different time zones. In the US, the stock market opens by 9:30 am and closes by 4:00 pm, except during holidays or early closure days which is usually 1:00 pm. A stock market exchange functions as an entity that allows stock traders trade stocks throughout a trading day. It provides them with accurate price quotes for stocks on the exchange.

Some of the major stock market exchanges in the world are the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, London Stock Exchange, Swiss Exchange, and Shanghai Stock Exchange. Although the open and close times may differ, all stock exchanges conduct trading from Monday through Friday, weekly.

Stock Market Trading Hours

Potential investors looking to get into the stock market will need to have knowledge of the different time periods to develop their trading strategies. For new investors, it is important to know the standard trading hours in US stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Nasdaq. Those looking to invest in other accessible countries will also need to keep tabs on their stock market time periods.

US Stock Exchanges Time Schedule and Holidays

The New York Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq both have similar time periods, and also have holiday closure periods that to  to both exchanges. Apart from early closure on some holidays, the US stock market exchange is completely closed on nine (9) main holidays, namely:

• New Year’s Day

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• President’s Day

• Good Friday

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

Early closures are usually 1:00 pm ET on days like:

• The day after Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas EVE

• The day before Independence Day

Pre-market and After Trading Hours

The Nasdaq makes provision for pre-market and after trading hours trading. Trading at such hours is considered a risky endeavor, yet, may have its benefits. The pre-market trading hours allow investors and traders to trade on the market between 4:00 am to 9:30 am before it properly opens. After trading hours is the extra time given to investors to continue trading after market close, usually from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET.

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange also offers premarket trading between 9:00 am and 9:30 am (local time), just thirty minutes before the market opens. The Toronto Stock Exchange gives investors and traders an hour extension for after trading hours trading, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. After trading hours are specifically helpful in making a strategic move when there’s a big news break on a company. However, potential and new investors should tread with caution when trading during these unusual market hours.

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