U.S. Stock Market Today: What Vietnamese Investors Need to Know About Trading Hours

Why Are U.S. Stocks Important to You?

The U.S. stock market is not randomly the top destination for global investors. With a total market capitalization of up to 30.44 trillion USD, it accounts for nearly half of the world’s stock market value. This figure is five times larger than China’s (6.32 trillion USD) and hundreds of thousands of times larger than Vietnam’s market.

Currently, there are nearly 20 exchanges operating in the U.S., but the three largest still dominate: NYSE, Nasdaq, and AMEX. Today, U.S. stocks continue to serve as a barometer of the global economy.

U.S. Stock Exchanges You Should Know

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) - The King of Markets

NYSE is the oldest exchange (228 years) and has the largest market capitalization in the world, reaching 30 trillion USD in 2018. Here, you will find about 2,400 stocks and financial products, including major economic indices like Dow Jones, S&P 500, and NYSE Composite. NYSE is where the biggest companies in the world choose to list.

Nasdaq - The Tech Paradise

Nasdaq ranks second globally in market capitalization with a value of 10 trillion USD. The key difference is Nasdaq focuses on many leading tech companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Twitter. This exchange lists up to 3,500 stocks, with more start-up companies than NYSE. It is the most favored exchange among tech investors.

AMEX - The Innovator of New Instruments

AMEX ranks third in trading volume but plays an important role in developing derivative financial tools. It is where options (1975), ETF funds (1993), and advanced investment products originated. AMEX mainly focuses on small-cap stocks and has around 8,000 derivative products.

U.S. Stock Trading Hours: A Detailed Guide for Vietnamese Traders

Regular Trading Hours

To avoid confusion for traders in Vietnam, here are the U.S. stock trading hours converted to Hanoi time (GMT +7):

NYSE - New York Stock Exchange

• Main trading hours: Monday to Friday, 20:30 - 03:00 (next day)
• Pre-market trading: Monday to Friday, 17:30 - 20:30
• After-hours trading: Tuesday to Saturday, 03:00 - 07:00 (next day)

Nasdaq - Tech Exchange

• Main trading hours: Monday to Friday, 20:30 - 03:00 (next day)
• Pre-market trading: Monday to Friday, 19:00 - 20:30
• After-hours trading: Tuesday to Saturday, 03:00 - 05:30 (next day)

AMEX - Derivatives Exchange

• Main trading hours: Monday to Friday, 20:30 - 03:00 (next day)
• Pre-market trading: Monday to Friday, 17:30 - 20:30
• After-hours trading: Tuesday to Saturday, 03:00 - 07:00 (next day)

Seasonal Changes: Summer vs. Winter

The U.S. observes daylight saving time from March to November. During this period, U.S. stock trading hours today will change compared to winter. Specifically:

Summer (from March to November):

• NYSE: 21:30 - 04:00 (Vietnam time)
• Nasdaq: 21:30 - 04:00 (Vietnam time)
• AMEX: 21:30 - 04:00 (Vietnam time)

Winter (from November to March):

• NYSE: 22:30 - 05:00 (Vietnam time)
• Nasdaq: 22:30 - 05:00 (Vietnam time)
• AMEX: 22:30 - 05:00 (Vietnam time)

U.S. Stock Market Holidays 2022: Dates to Avoid

The U.S. stock market closes on national holidays. If you plan to trade, keep these dates in mind:

• January 17: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 21: Washington’s Birthday
• April 15: Good Friday
• May 30: Memorial Day
• July 4: Independence Day
• September 5: Labor Day
• November 24: Thanksgiving
• December 26: Christmas

How to Effectively Manage U.S. Stock Trading Time

Practical Tips for Vietnamese Investors

Not all brokerage firms in Vietnam support pre-market (pre-market) and after-hours (after-hour) trading. You need to check with your broker whether these services are supported.

Settlement times also vary depending on the account type:

• Margin account (hedge): T + 0
• Margin account: T + 1
• Cash account: T + 2

Tools for Support

To avoid missing U.S. stock trading hours today, use an electronic economic calendar or time management app. These tools will alert you to important economic events and market opening times.

Other International Stock Markets: Quick Reference

If you are interested in global trading, here are the trading hours of major exchanges worldwide (in Vietnam time):

• China: 08:30 - 10:30; 12:00 - 14:00
• Tokyo: 07:00 - 09:30; 10:30 - 13:00
• Hong Kong: 08:15 - 15:00
• London: 15:00 - 23:30
• Toronto: 21:30 - 04:00
• Germany: 14:00 - 04:00
• Australia: 07:00 - 13:00
• Bombay: 05:45 - 17:00

Knowing the trading hours of U.S. stocks today and other exchanges will help you plan your trades better and maximize profit opportunities in the global market.