Regular Trading Hours
The major US stock exchanges (NYSE and NASDAQ) are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. This is when most trading volume occurs and prices are most stable.
Pre-Market Trading
Trading begins as early as 4:00 AM ET and runs until the market opens at 9:30 AM. Pre-market trading has:
- Lower liquidity and wider spreads
- More volatile price movements
- Reaction to overnight news and earnings
After-Hours Trading
Continues from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET. Same characteristics as pre-market but often sees reactions to earnings released after market close.
Market Holidays
US markets are closed for major holidays including:
- New Year Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day, Good Friday
- Memorial Day, Independence Day
- Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Best Times to Trade
The first and last hours of regular trading see the most volume. Midday trading is typically quieter with less volatility.