Understanding stock market hours is fundamental to successful trading. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or an experienced trader looking to maximize opportunities, knowing when markets are open and what happens during different sessions can significantly impact your results.
Regular Trading Hours
The US stock market operates Monday through Friday during regular trading hours. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ share the same schedule:
Regular Market Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
This gives you 6.5 hours of regular trading each day.
These hours apply to most stocks, ETFs, and options traded on US exchanges. During regular hours, you will find the highest liquidity, tightest spreads, and most trading activity.
Extended Trading Hours
Beyond regular hours, you can also trade during extended sessions. These are divided into two periods:
Pre-Market Session
4:00 AM to 9:30 AM ET
Trading begins as early as 4:00 AM, though most brokers allow access starting at 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM. Volume is lower than regular hours, but this is when traders react to overnight news and earnings reports released before the market opens.
After-Hours Session
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET
After the regular close, trading continues for another four hours. This session sees reactions to earnings reports released after the close and late-breaking news. Volume typically decreases as the evening progresses.
When the Market is Closed
The stock market is closed on weekends and certain holidays. In 2026, the market is closed on:
- New Year's Day - January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Third Monday of January
- Presidents Day - Third Monday of February
- Good Friday - Friday before Easter
- Memorial Day - Last Monday of May
- Juneteenth - June 19
- Independence Day - July 4
- Labor Day - First Monday of September
- Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday of November
- Christmas Day - December 25
Some days feature early closes at 1:00 PM ET, typically the day before or after major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Time Zone Considerations
If you are not on the East Coast, here are the regular market hours in other US time zones:
Regular Hours by Time Zone
- Eastern Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Central Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Best Times to Trade During Market Hours
Not all hours are created equal. Here is how different times of day typically behave:
Market Open (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET)
The first hour is often the most volatile. You will see the highest volume as traders react to overnight news and pre-market moves. This is great for momentum traders but can be risky for beginners. Spreads can be wider in the first few minutes.
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET)
Markets often settle down and establish trends. Many professional traders consider this the sweet spot for making trades based on the morning direction.
Lunch Hour (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET)
Volume typically drops as traders take lunch. Price movements can be choppy and directionless. Many experienced traders avoid this period.
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET)
Activity picks up again. Institutional traders often make their moves during this time. Watch for trend continuations or reversals.
Market Close (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET)
The last hour sees increased activity as traders position for the close. Volume rises significantly in the final 30 minutes. This can be profitable but also volatile.
Why Market Hours Matter for Your Strategy
Your trading strategy should align with when you trade:
- Day traders typically focus on the first and last hours when volatility and volume are highest
- Swing traders may prefer mid-day entries when prices are more stable
- Options traders should be aware that options can only be exercised during regular hours
- News traders need to be ready for pre-market and after-hours sessions when earnings are released
Track Your Performance by Time
Pro Trader Dashboard shows your win rate by time of day, helping you discover when you trade best. Find your optimal trading hours with data-driven insights.
Extended Hours Trading Considerations
Before trading outside regular hours, understand these key differences:
- Lower liquidity: Fewer participants means wider bid-ask spreads
- Higher volatility: Large price swings on relatively small volume
- Limit orders only: Most brokers require limit orders during extended hours
- Not all securities trade: Some stocks and most options are unavailable
Summary
The US stock market is open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time on weekdays, with extended sessions available before and after. Understanding these hours and how market behavior changes throughout the day is crucial for developing your trading strategy.
The best time to trade depends on your strategy and when you personally perform best. Track your trades by time of day to discover your optimal windows.
Learn more about pre-market trading strategies or explore the best hours to trade.